Do ducks really imprint with their owners

[Citytransplant]

Finally have my first ducks 2 Indian Runners, (along with 5 various chicks). I had heard about imprinting and wonder if ducks really do so. I am trying to bond with both the ducks and chickens by picking them up and talking/petting them several times a day. They all however are still afraid of me, squirm when I pick them up, won't take food from my hand and although less often, they peep loudly when I walk by. I had chickens a few years back and they remained afraid and ran the other way when I entered their pen. Is there something I can do?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Best way to to win them over is spend time just being there not holding them but just sitting as low as you can get so you aren’t the tall predator coming to get them. Always talk to them before they see you. Start tossing something like dried meal worms out on the ground and then as they start eating them then each day or 2 toss closer to you until they will come up an eat out of your hand just don’t rush it. Patience is the key here. And let me tell you about Runners they are the busy ducks of the duck world also the funniest. I have 9 and have out of that nine maybe 4 that will eat out of my hand. Out of my 5 Muscovy all 5 will eat out of my hand and only one of my 2 Buff ducks will eat out of my hand. Most of my chickens will take treats from me but it’s always a slow process getting them to trust us and feel comfortable around us. None of my ducks like to be touched or handled except my Muscovy drake I hand raised. And I can pick up 2 of my Runner ducks for a quick cuddle. I respect their privacy though just having them here is enough for me! ❤

 

[Ratchnick]

I have noticed a big difference between eggs you hatch out and ducklings bought in the store. The hatched out ducks imprinted, would follow me around, still didn't like to be picked up but would sit on my lap. The other duckl8ngs would not.

 

[Isaac 0]

I have noticed a big difference between eggs you hatch out and ducklings bought in the store. The hatched out ducks imprinted, would follow me around, still didn't like to be picked up but would sit on my lap. The other duckl8ngs would not.

I've had the same experience. Ducklings imprint the best right after hatch, birds that are shipped around for a week and then wait to be sold, need a lot of attention if you want them to imprint with you.