ducklings are not friendly

[HSerChickLady]

Our ducklings are no where near as friendly as our chicks. They all squish together in one end of the brooder and run away from us peeping their heads off. How can we get them used to us and get them more friendly? They're supposed to be pets so we'd like them to get friendly enough to feed treats from our hands and maybe even pet them and pick them up some.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Ducklings unlike goslings go through a HUGE OMG that hand is going to kill me phase. For some it lasts longer than others. Move slowly, work on their level not reaching in from high above (this evokes predator like fear in them). Offer treats, often, and hold still allowing them to get the treats from you without you grabbing them. Peas are a ducks best friend, as is finely chopped dark greens. Remember it takes time and lots of work to gain their trust. They may never want held, some may never want you to pet them, but they will all love you for the goodies.

 

[NCFF]

My Ducks are just starting to tolerate me, they don't like it they try and get away. The goslings on the other hand all they want is attention? I treat them just like any other animal I am tying to train. Food,soft words, and attention( on my terms).
You bring food with you enough times they will all be running to see who can get some first (careful what you wish for).

P.S. I have found that the Duckings will try and nip make sure you let them know that is not good. Eat food only not my hand.

 

[QueenDuck]

I got two ducklings yesterday and they are fine with me. If you just go in for it (without scaring them) then they will know that it's not going to hurt them. Make sure you spend plenty of time with them and play with them alot. When the two of them get split up or I leave the room, that's when they start to peep loudly. I hope you and your duckies have a great bond in the future.
QueenDuck.

 

[HSerChickLady]

Thanks! Right now i can only get to them from above-they're brooding in a stock tank so i can't do much about that part. But we'll defrost some peas and see if we can get somewhere like that. I'm sure it'll take some time but hopefully they warm up to us after they get a bit older. They're just a week old today so i'm not too worried yet. Just the kids are a bit bummed. I guess they thought they'd be instant friends.

 

[DuckiesAndBees]

Thanks! Right now i can only get to them from above-they're brooding in a stock tank so i can't do much about that part. But we'll defrost some peas and see if we can get somewhere like that. I'm sure it'll take some time but hopefully they warm up to us after they get a bit older. They're just a week old today so i'm not too worried yet. Just the kids are a bit bummed. I guess they thought they'd be instant friends.

Last year I brooded two sets of ducklings. The first time I had three and they were and still are very skiddish. They would always peep their little heads off when I tried to hold them, so I didn't hold them very often. For the next set of two ducklings, I tried to hold them as much as possible and they weren't so scared. They even slept in my hands when they were really little. So in my experience holding them and playing with them a lot is the best way to go, even if they get scared. I'd try holding two at a time (or letting two at a time play on your towelled lap) so they aren't alone.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks! Right now i can only get to them from above-they're brooding in a stock tank so i can't do much about that part. But we'll defrost some peas and see if we can get somewhere like that. I'm sure it'll take some time but hopefully they warm up to us after they get a bit older. They're just a week old today so i'm not too worried yet. Just the kids are a bit bummed. I guess they thought they'd be instant friends.

If your going to feed them peas and other treats, it would be a good idea to offer them chick grit. They need grit the same as chicks when eating other than their chick crumble/

 

[ariel4birds]

Definitely hold them as much as you can. They won't like it at first. Offer them food from your hand when they are hungry. I taught a couple of my ducks to eat out of my hand when they were ducklings, and they still come up to me and take food from my hand even as adults.

 

[jessiduck]

Our ducklings are no where near as friendly as our chicks. They all squish together in one end of the brooder and run away from us peeping their heads off. How can we get them used to us and get them more friendly? They're supposed to be pets so we'd like them to get friendly enough to feed treats from our hands and maybe even pet them and pick them up some.

Well, first off, it's not you! It's just the nature of ducklings. If you are patient and calm with them (being careful not to make sudden movements) then they will get used to you.
You can try building a bond by spending as much time with them as you can. Obviously you cannot spend your whole day with them , but even just 15minutes will do!
Try giving them some defrosted frozen peas! They just absolutely love em' ! It's a sure way to a ducklings heart! Drop them a few and let them taste it and then put a couple peas in your hand and leave it there. It may not work the first time but try and try again! Its a sure way to build their trust!

 

[Kaianuanu]

they wont like it but you best bet is to raise them separately, otherwise, their just going to bond w/ each other in stead of you. My duckling was one of two eggs, and only he hatched, i bought him at 2wks old a few days ago and basically i am his mom,he follows me and he cries when i'm out of his line of sight. However, if you plan to keep them all together as adults, any efforts to bond w/ them now might be useless later.