Crossed Bill Duckling

[FeatherLace]

Also make sure that if he turns out to be a drake, dont place him in with your chicken hens. A drake that breeds a chicken hen can cause serious damage, as a drakes anatomy is vastly different from a roosters

 

[Lourdie]

Thanks again, I will update you!

 

[Stipenvlerk]

I’m happy someone answered your question and I’m glad you give this duckling a chance!

 

[Lourdie]

Hi again, why does he keep running away from me, shouldn’t he be imprinted?

 

[FeatherLace]

Hi again, why does he keep running away from me, shouldn’t he be imprinted?

Sometimes your actions can cause an imprinted duckling to be afraid of you. Some things may include picking him up from above, picking him up too fast, and other things like that. Ducks are a prey animal, so doing things that simulate a predator will actually do more harm than good. When picking him up, do so slowly and try and be on his level when you do. This prevents him from feeling like a predator such as a hawk is swooping from above. Also, contrary to popular belief, don't hold him on his back, this also triggers a severe fear response.

To get him to he friendlier with you, pick him up when on his level, do so slowly, speak to him often in a calm voice, and other things such as you would do to a small child or puppy. They like being covered, so when holding him just lightly place your hand over him and hold him close. This is similar to a mother placing a wing over him.

While he may have never been with a real mother duck, these instincts are extremely hard-set in all ducklings, so just similate a mamma duck as much as possible for good results