Duck biting

[savvyc95]

My five week old mallard girl is biting my fingers, toes, my face, it's bad. I don't mind it when she bites my toes I actually think it's kinda cute and when she's tired she does this very gentle nibble thing with my lips like kisses. But unfortunately when she's hyper she bites harder, is there a reason a young duckling would bite like this, and what do I do?

 

[seashoreduck]

You taste good.

Ducks don't have hands, they explore with their mouth. I make a noise they dislike (a sharp che-che-che) to discourage bad behavior. They are also incredibly smart. Give her a bit of training and she should be fine....(that is if this really is playful and not malicious)

 

[RubberDuckee]

It's just a natural curiosity... Human infants often put things in their mouths or sometimes even put their mouths on the sides of tables, etc. as they grow into toddlers. This is sensory learning.... taking in the big and interesting world! Ducklings do this too, just as Seashore duck stated, your duckling is learning and exploring you through her beak.

Mine is a year old now and she still does this to me. Sometimes she still has to be reminded when she pecks a little too hard, or if she is pecking a place on my body (like my for arm) where my skin is a little more thin and easily gets pinched in between her beak. I just give her a gentle, yet persuasive finger tap on the top of her beak with a verbal correction. She sort of just looks at me, as if she is pondering the situation, and then will move on to a new activity.

Just as with children, puppies, etc. it is important to let your duckling know when she is pecking too hard. This will help her learn your boundaries, and it will strengthen your relationship and remind her that you are the "big duck" in charge.

 

[savvyc95]

Oh okay thank you so much I was getting worried that I spoiled her too much ;P
I'll definitely have to try tapping on her beak she's very smart I think she won't be too hard to train thanks again!!