Ducklings unfortunately seem to have imprinted on humans

[MS_pond]

Unfortunately I think these ducklings may have imprinted on people a little too much, would appreciate any advice. My first batch of brooder ducklings wasn't like this.

Six days ago, three Muscovy ducklings hatched in the incubator. They have lived with each other from day 1. Two days after that, I got two runner ducklings from tractor supply to live in the brooder with the Muscovies. Almost identical in size/age, they get along great.

The problem is that they (both runners and muscovies) are too scared to come out from under the brooder plate unless someone is around. They try to climb out and follow us. If we leave, they yammer and peep for ages. I don't come running when they call, figured they would grow out of it. But they haven't and I'm concerned they aren't getting enough to eat as a result. Also concerned about them integrating with the rest of the flock.

For those who had ducklings like this, how did they turn out? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Thank you for any insight!

 

[ruthhope]

Unlikely to have imprinted on you from what you say -- that happens within the first 24, max 36 hours after hatching.

I received 2 jumbo pekin ducklings April 5 that I thought were 2 - 2.5 weeks as they had no feathers. They called for me when their food bowl was empty [they ate a huge amount, far more than my muscovy or regular peking ducklings did] and when they had finished their water. And I think, when they just wanted someone hanging around. Once they started to feather up, I got them swimming in my bath 3 or 4 times a day, and they would jump out into my lap at the end of their swim. They are now 10 weeks, sleeping in the duck house and free to explore the back garden with the rest of the flock. The two are tightly bonded to each other, not me. One is special needs -- legs not strong enough to support the huge jumbo weight, and so I pick him up at bedtime and take him to the duck house, where they have a dog crate to sleep safely together. The one that is not handicapped comes running down -- apparently following me but does sometimes overtake and go in first. I also help out the handicapped one in the morning and carry him up to be near my patio and their wading pool with the healthy one running along side. But when I don't, they both follow me and the rest of the flock.

I expect you will find your little fluffies are less demanding as they get older. If they do follow you in the garden, that isn't a bad thing. One of my muscovies, Daffy, who was hand raised, alone until 6-8 weeks old when I found similar aged ducklings that could keep him company, follows me around when I am in the garden. He is now 4 years old and puts up his crest when I call his name and even if he just hears me talking on the patio, comes over. He thinks he should live in the house, not in the duck house with "ducks". But he lives in the duck house with the other ducks as I cannot be doing with duck poop in the house!!!

 

[MS_pond]

I see. That is reassuring, thank you. I did give the babies a lot of attention before and after hatching (hard hatch) so I was worried I overdid it.

And I'm glad your ducks have you!