Duckling trust progress

[Saaan13]

I got my two 2 week old ducklings today , this afternoon they wouldn’t let me touch them , they would run away when I put my hand in or they would sit in the corner with there heads on each other and then move when my hand approached , tonight they are still in the corner but they let me stroke there heads

If it is progress can anyone tell me how to progress In that progress ??

 

[Quatie]

Ducks really don't tend to like to be touched even as ducklings. I often found when I spent time with ducklings on their level they are more likely to get use to you. I like putting towels on the ground and lay or sit on the ground with the ducklings. You're less intimidating at that level. The less you tower over them the better they do. Also the more time you spend with them, they get more use to you. I have always put my brooder somewhere it easy to interact with them on a daily basis.

 

[fatty and friends]

you need to spend a LOT of time with ducks for them to get used to you. i spent all day with mine when they were babies. just sit next to them, talk to them so they know your voice, cuddle them, etc. mine are 3 years old now and super friendly, they love being held and follow me around!

 

[Saaan13]

you need to spend a LOT of time with ducks for them to get used to you. i spent all day with mine when they were babies. just sit next to them, talk to them so they know your voice, cuddle them, etc. mine are 3 years old now and super friendly, they love being held and follow me around!

That’s awesome

 

[RosemaryDuck]

With Blackberry & Raspberry (Pekins), I handled them a lot. I cleaned very frequently, so picked them up often to move them. Also replaced food and water a lot throughout the day so they were used to my hands.

When they were old enough I would take them to the bathtub and sit and play with them. I think this was a huge part of socializing them because they got used to me taking them to the tub daily.

It also slightly depends on the duck breed as well. Some are more prone to being friendly while others will always be slightly standoffish. Best of luck to you!!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Right now, I pretty much spend all waking hours with Cheddar as she is a single duckling. She LOVES me, but when I say all waking hours, I mean it.

Here she is now after crawling in my lap to go to sleep. She doesn't really like being pet so much as being on me or next to me. I don't force things (except when she's doing something she shouldn't, like chasing the dog or trying to eat the chickens' toes).

I think not forcing your affections on them, but rather sitting with them as @Quatie suggests is helpful. I do the same with the chicks I brood.

 

[Aunt Angus]

With Blackberry & Raspberry (Pekins), I handled them a lot. I cleaned very frequently, so picked them up often to move them. Also replaced food and water a lot throughout the day so they were used to my hands.

When they were old enough I would take them to the bathtub and sit and play with them. I think this was a huge part of socializing them because they got used to me taking them to the tub daily.

It also slightly depends on the duck breed as well. Some are more prone to being friendly while others will always be slightly standoffish. Best of luck to you!!

I have heard drakes are often friendlier in this regard, too, but I have only hens, so I can't even offer anecdotes.

 

[Quatie]

I have heard drakes are often friendlier in this regard, too, but I have only hens, so I can't even offer anecdotes.

I had a drake who would scream his head off as a duckling. He hated anyone near him. He is super social now. Another drake I raised jumped in my hands to come out for play time. He saw my hands as the gateway for escape. Once he was outside full time, he no longer needed me. He became less social at that point. Drakes can vary just as much as hens.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I had a drake who would scream his head off as a duckling. He hated anyone near him. He is super social now. Another drake I raised jumped in my hands to come out for play time. He saw my hands as the gateway for escape. Once he was outside full time, he no longer needed me. He became less social at that point. Drakes can vary just as much as hens.

Good to know.

Cheddar is out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good to know.

Cheddar is out.
View attachment 3191752

That little Cheddar is just the cutest thing will she always be a house duck?