Did my ducks forget I'm their mama? :(

[storiesandglass]

My flock of 9 khaki campbells used to follow me around, especially when I talked to them, but recently they've totally lost interest in me and actually run away from me if I'm near them. When they're free ranging, they choose the opposite end of the yard from where I am.

Is this just their personality or have I done something to ruin our bond?

My kids (ages 3, 7 and 10) have spent a lot of time with the ducks but did chase them to hold them, I'm wondering if that has caused them to be afraid of us now.

ETA: The ducks are 6-7ish weeks old. I'll edit again with a pic, just a sec!! In the pic you'll see our 2 adopted Pekin ducks as well, the original 9 Khaki's we've had since they were a day old and the Pekins were added a couple of weeks ago.

View attachment 1438153

 

[arrowti]

They hit their 'frightened teenager' stage. They'll go to their angsty teenager stage after in which they'll try to attack everything. You just gotta be patient with them and keep giving them love and treats! They're just going to be little brats for awhile.

 

[storiesandglass]

Not sure why the photo isn't attaching, let's try it here In the pic you'll see our 2 adopted Pekin ducks as well, the original 9 Khaki's we've had since they were a day old and the Pekins were added a couple of weeks ago.

 

[storiesandglass]

They hit their 'frightened teenager' stage. They'll go to their angsty teenager stage after in which they'll try to attack everything. You just gotta be patient with them and keep giving them love and treats! They're just going to be little brats for awhile.

Thank you!! I wondered if this was their rebellious stage haha That's comforting. Spoil them through it, then?

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

mine are in that stage too... (chickens)

 

[Lil Drake40]

Chasing them isn’t a good thing though since they are prey to so many predators

 

[harmonymw]

One of my kids is a duck chaser. My ducks know which one it is, though, and just avoid her. I do think it made them more skittish because a shrieking child with outstretched arms is not a good ambassador for humankind.

 

[arrowti]

My sister chased the ducks once a few years ago... they still remember. They still hate her. They won't let her come anywhere near them and they won't let her put them in at night.

 

[Doctorbeer]

I wouldn't take it personally. I've had a flock of Khakis before, they are a really skittish breed. I have 2 left and they will eat from my hand, but it took a few years for that habit to happen. Even when she does, any slight movements and she'll back off quickly and rethink about eating some more from my hand.