Duck socializing concern. They HATE me!

[tia]

I feed them lots of treats and they come and visit. I also pick them up wrapping them up in an old towel. It keeps them from pooping on you and scratching you. They don't like it when you go to pick them up, but they like being held and snuggle right against my neck in my hair. I have one that sits on my lap when I'm watching TV. I put a towel on my lap and let the duck lay down on the towel and pet her, she loves it. She closes her eyes and goes to sleep.

 

[lovesgliders]

Quote:
Are yours houseducks? That is so cute!

 

[mominoz]

They are prey animals , so don't act like a predator, coming from above and chasing , grabbing. Instead, Get a chair and sit in the edge of their enclosure and sit still, talk softly, and bring treats, which you may have to put down , starting several feet away and gradually moveing closer, using a 'treat word" every time you do it will have them eventually come running. You can move closer gradually.......Move closer, stay longer.... will work eventually.....Petting and touching is harder, you have to either start young sitting with them or take it in long slow increments. I have some runners I spent time with and sat with as babies, who get to free range daily, they come running if I coem in the pasture,and literally get on my feet when it is dinner time and I am letting them in their night pen....But the drakes dont' like me reaching for them and will start to leave. Only the gray females dont' leave when I reach for them if I have to pick them up. One had weak leg incident and I had to hold her so she could feed for about 10 days ,I guess that made me friends for life......