Duck and ducklings behavior

[Rlambert]

So long story short: I had two Ducks female and male about two years old. The male duck is no longer with us. So I got 3 ducklings.

I kept the ducklings inside until the weather got nice. The ducklings are about 4-6weeks old and can flee from the female duck. They mostly keep to themselves and maybe drink water together (the ducklings and female duck) But whenever I handle a duckling (for example pick it up to move it) and when it squeals the female duck begins to honk, grunts, then tries to nudge me and pulls on me. I’m not sure if she’s trying to be aggressive with me or is she trying to be aggressive with the duckling while I have it.

Thoughts?

 

[ruthhope]

Or maybe she is trying to defend the squealing duckling from you.

Hard to know without being thete!

 

[ruthhope]

Welcome to BYC!! This is the place to be to hear from other backyard duck keepers on matters that affect us or our featheted friends!!

 

[Rlambert]

Or maybe she is trying to defend the squealing duckling from you.

Hard to know without being thete!

Right, that’s what I’m hoping

 

[Chicken Chat]

I think she is protecting the duckling from you. If I have to do anything to my ducks, like checking feet, and they are squawking with me messing with them, I have one that runs up behind me and head butts me.