Duck is terrified of me

[duckman4450]

My 5 week and 2 day old mallard Bubbles has been acting strange lately. Now when i put my hands in her cage to take her out she goes crazy running around like I'm trying to kill her and knock over her food and water bowls. Also she'll be following me after I stand up or something and then all the sudden shoot right in front of me running away from me with her mouth open like I'm trying to kill her. She also has been sitting pretty far away from me and just seems terrified of me lately. Is this just a phase or what? Any similar stories or experiences?

 

[Amiga]

Yes, this is a phase. Their instincts about large, towering beings kick in, and things that are taller than they are, and bigger than they are, become terrifying. I was heartbroken when seemingly overnight, my runners behaved this way.

With advice from forum members, I began the slow (several weeks long) process of reestablishing trust.

Treats, time spent near them, constant quiet noises from me, entering the brooder room as low as I could get, which I am glad no one has a video of, and patience.

 

[duckman4450]

Yes, this is a phase.  Their instincts about large, towering beings kick in, and things that are taller than they are, and bigger than they are, become terrifying.  I was heartbroken when seemingly overnight, my runners behaved this way.

With advice from forum members, I began the slow (several weeks long) process of reestablishing trust.

Treats, time spent near them, constant quiet noises from me, entering the brooder room as low as I could get, which I am glad no one has a video of, and patience.

Alright thanks!! She is getting better but is still scared. I'm kind of sad!

 

[Amiga]

After several weeks, my runners got back to being sweet, with several of them happy to be petted, though no one likes being picked up.