Ducklings imprinting on me?

[ksmith]

When I incubate duck eggs, if I make cardboard barriers so that when they hatch they see me, will they imprint on me? I have two mallards right now, and they want nothing to do with me. I want friendly duckies that I can actually pet!

 

[Gypsy07]

I know that goslings inprint very quickly, but I'm not so sure about ducklings.

 

[ksmith]

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Then i might have to try goslings next year

 

[Gypsy07]

I might be able to let you know in a few weeks, as I have duck eggs in the bator right now. I had some temp problems (104F!!!) and I'm worried they might already be cooked, but if not I shall let you know how it goes with them. I was wondering a bit about the imprinting thing already, cause I'm just incubating these eggs for a friend, and any/all ducklings will be returned to him a few days after they fluff up and start running around. I was worried they might imprint on me, then miss me when I give them back.

A book I've got about geese actually says you should be careful not to let goslings imprint on you too strongly, cause obviously you can't be with them 24/7 and they will just get quite agitated and upset when you're not around to look after them. It's better if they just imprint on their hatch buddies apparently...

 

[ksmith]

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Thats very interesting, but makes sense that geese will get angry if you are not with them 24/7. I hope all your babies hatch successfully! Thanks

 

[kikidee]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I have duck eggs and I wanted one to imprint on me so I am going to put them in the brooder with one separated by a barrier so he/she cant see the other siblings or bond with them. sounds mean now that I say it

but I want it to imprint on me

 

[ksmith]

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I was thinking the same thing! But they will have the other duckies as friends

 

[ponypaw]

I will say that I hatched a single duckling once. It imprinted on me and was very friendly as a baby. Absolutely unafraid. When it got older I began taking it out among the other ducks. It got to where it was a little bit wary, but I was still always able to walk up slowly and pick it up. So keeping one alone works. While its a hatchling though you need to spend time with it, pack it around, etc. to make up for it having no other companions.

 

[kikidee]

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Yeah I was going to have it alone and when I have to go away from it more often which will be when its around 6-7 weeks old ill get it a companion but itll still love me hopefully