Duck/Owner Behavior Advice

[Andrea PNW]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I don't cuddle my ducks but maintain enough physical presence that they are not afraid of me when I am doing chores like cleaning the coop. Those times they must be caught, like trimming nails, I make my daughter come over and catch them. I reciprocate by being the one to catch her chickens or peacocks if needed. My first attempt at catching a peacock was not a great success. As I grabbed for the leg, I ended up with a handful of tail feathers and a peacock now sitting on a roost 10 feet above me. I have perfected my style since.

Lol - I can't even imagine. Peacocks are big ass birds

 

[Dux]

I see what you're saying - don't force contact if they don't want it. But ------ they are just so lap ducky once they get settledView attachment 2484404View attachment 2484405

OMG, they are sooooooooo cute! I love the little stretched out leg. Absolutely darling.

 

[JNC]

I also don't force snuggles. I noticed that as my ducks grew up they even touched each other less and less, so I think it is natural for them to be touched by us less as well. My ducks do touch me, one hops into my lap at times, another is always pressing her chest and neck into me, and they all eat from my hands. But they don't like it if I pick them up. Our relationship is the closest when I do the most of what they like. If I sit down and let them come to me I end up getting a lot more of what I want than if I try to force their affection.

I find this weird because one of my ducks that is full grown doesn’t mind getting picked up. When he was little and I picked him up he would kick like crazy and I ended up with scratches all over my arms. Now when I pick him up he doesn’t kick he just stays like a statue! He’s the sweetest boy

 

[JNC]

I agree to an extent, but I think it is important to maintain some level of physical contact, because you most likely will have to treat some kind of injury while you have your ducks and that will be 100x easier if they are comfortable being touched by you.

I agree. I make sure all my ducks are comfortable around me. If I call “duckies” they will all come running! I know some don’t like getting pick up and I respect that so I don’t pick them up. On the ones that don’t mind as much I pick up but they let me know they want down by kicking.

 

[Andrea PNW]

I agree. I make sure all my ducks are comfortable around me. If I call “duckies” they will all come running! I know some don’t like getting pick up and I respect that so I don’t pick them up. On the ones that don’t mind as much I pick up but they let me know they want down by kicking.

I am that annoying duck mom that walks outside and says "hello babies!" In a singsong voice that I'd be more mortified if my neighbors heard. But they are my sweet angel babies. I'm not even mad about the mud bath they made out of one of my flower beds ---- because they were so happy doing it.

 

[KaleIAm]

I find this weird because one of my ducks that is full grown doesn’t mind getting picked up. When he was little and I picked him up he would kick like crazy and I ended up with scratches all over my arms. Now when I pick him up he doesn’t kick he just stays like a statue! He’s the sweetest boy

Ducks are individuals, and I can only speak for my own experiences and observations with my own ducks. I am happy that you enjoy your sweet relationship with your individual duck.

 

[JNC]

I am that annoying duck mom that walks outside and says "hello babies!" In a singsong voice that I'd be more mortified if my neighbors heard. But they are my sweet angel babies. I'm not even mad about the mud bath they made out of one of my flower beds ---- because they were so happy doing it.

They are so adorable! My ducks have completely destroyed my whole yard