Ducklings don't like me

[sns26]

I have 5 three day old ducklings, and they seem to be terrified of me. They are being raised by my family, so are they confused about 4 different people to imprint on? The first day they didn't care about being picked up, but now they peep and squirm like crazy! We even put them down and watched to see if they followed anyone, but they just stood there. We also tried treats, but they are so bonded to each other they don't seem to like us humans, even though they're still very young. Is it possible that they'll never imprint on me? Suggestions?

 

[Jane Doe]

You could try letting them sit in your hand? Baby ducks like to sit cupped in your hands (it makes them feel safe), but they don't like to feel restrained. Take them out one at a time and cup them in your hands without restraining them until they settle down and fall asleep. This may not work if they can hear the other ducklings chirping. It will help them to bond with you individually… you could also try feeding them out of your hand. Good luck with your babies!

 

[sns26]

Already tried feeding them from my hands, which they like, but once I pick them up they go nuts. Not sure if taking them out individually would be good, so I'm still unsure. Thanks for the input

 

[Jane Doe]

Yeah… I wish I could be more help.

 

[LittleBlu]

I have 5 three day old ducklings, and they seem to be terrified of me. They are being raised by my family, so are they confused about 4 different people to imprint on? The first day they didn't care about being picked up, but now they peep and squirm like crazy! We even put them down and watched to see if they followed anyone, but they just stood there. We also tried treats, but they are so bonded to each other they don't seem to like us humans, even though they're still very young. Is it possible that they'll never imprint on me? Suggestions?

my duckling follows me around and yells at me because it can't keep up! But when my boyfriend comes over (he raised him for his first 4 1/2 days of life) we'll stand apart and the duckling doesn't know who to go to and just stands there. It can be confusing on who to imprint on when there's too many. I'd try spending some time when no one else is around if you want to be imprinted in. I researched and it takes two weeks for a duck to recognize a face but just a week for a voice