Ducklings want to be held?

[StuporMan]

I received a muscovy and black Indian runner duckling today, their brooder is all set up with a heating plate, fresh water supplemented with niacin and starter feed (has to be general starter because waterfowl specific feed is hard to find here). Oddly though, despite them being fearful of me when I walk near the box, they seem deadset on getting me to pick them up and put them near my face. If I put them back in the warm spot of their brooder they start crying and attempt to hop out (they can't because of how deep the box is lol) has anyone ever experienced something like this? I've never had ducklings that did this, even imprinted ones have been uneasy, but tolerant, of being handled

 

[HeatherKellyB]

It's a natural instinct to be fearful of things overhead. Maybe this is what's happening until they have a moment to settle down and realize it's you. Once they realize that, they want your snuggles Id enjoy it while it lasts Sometimes a mirror will help keep them more calm. I'll tag someone that's always helpful with things like this, among many others

@Miss Lydia

 

[fatty and friends]

some ducks just love cuddles, 4 out of my 5 ducks are imprinted to me and love to be carried and cuddled all day

 

[Sierra67]

It's a natural instinct to be fearful of things overhead. Maybe this is what's happening until they have a moment to settle down and realize it's you. Once they realize that, they want your snuggles Id enjoy it while it lasts Sometimes a mirror will help keep them more calm. I'll tag someone that's always helpful with things like this, among many others

@Miss Lydia

My duckling does this too, has a deep bin that she stays in and sometimes in the morning she’s so desperate to be held she actually manages to get out and run around the house screaming

 

[Miss Lydia]

To have ducklings that don't mind snuggles is a blessing to me. They out grow it pretty fast so enjoy while you can. I still have 1 Indian Runner female that doesn't mind me picking her up for snuggles. she turned 2 in April and my 10 yr old Muswcpovy drake is my other snuggle butt. But my other 36 birds would rather not.