Can you bond with a duck?

[leghornlover@123]

I have two ducklings two 3 month old ducks and a full grown adult duck! They are all mallards. Anyways the two little ducklings have already imprinted on me but the 2 three month old ducks hate humans they are like wild animals that have never been handled! And im working with the adult male now! I call him by his name and pet him! He doesnt come to me and he I still have to catch him to pet him! What should i do!!

 

[sourland]

Don't force yourself upon the older ducks. It actually reinforces their 'flight' response. Sit in their pen very calmly and quietly and tempt them with feed or treats. Feed is always a great motivator.

 

[Moochie]

We used to have the same problem. Ducks would always run away from us.. Now when we bring out the mealworm container and they see it they come running.
It took a long time though. Some ducks still won't get close to us. Just be patient and have treats available!

 

[ducklover700]

You have to keep in mind that ducks aren't like a dog or cat. Some of them never will come around-while others love people.

 

[Ayeesha]

I have a silver call duck called Jim. He was really poorly and had a prolapsed penis & he had many trips to the vet and lots of medicine. I cared for him for weeks and he's become my little friend. He's a year old which is unusual to have such a bond so late on: I never imprinted on him as a duckling, I left all the work to his mumma duck!
I think it's because he knows I helped him. I love that little guy so much. He follows me about the garden, he would rather sit with me than hang out with his duck pals. It's amazing. He actually eats out my hands now too. I'm just so happy that he has overcome his horrible ordeal and he's better! My lovely ducky wuck