Ducks Imprint?

[mom2jedi]

Just read a post about ducklings imprinting on someone that hatched eggs in her incubator since her broody hen decided to quit sitting on the eggs. I didn't know ducks imprint! Can someone explain this a little bit more to me please? We're still in the pondering process of weather or not ducks will work for our mini-farm (still in its infancy). If I were to get ducks, I'd thought I would just order a couple from a hatchery like I did with chickens. Does that mean they won't be as attached to me? Also, if I get hatching eggs, and they imprint on me, will they be okay in a coop/run area or will they be sad they can't follow me around? I was only thinking of getting a pair and if I hatch eggs, I will be taking my chances that I'll get what I want.

Help! I want this to be as easy on DH as possible... if we even do this... better to just order the first ones from the hatchery?

 

[Fawkes]

All birds imprint AFAIK. I have 2 imprinted ducks. They weren't raised with siblings or with mom so they're imprinted forever. They always will think I'm their mom and they're human no matter how old they are. They are more needy due to this of course. They do have duck friends now though, just didn't when they were babies.

This is the best way to explain it: http://www.thegoosesmother.com/id6.html
My two are #3

And I don't think its really "the first thing they see". If you raise them from a day old like I'd assume you would with a hatchery they should imprint as far as I know. I'm sure Dill caught a glimpse of her mom and i know Scout did, yet they're obviously imprinted.

 

[Dingo]

A word of caution though, drakes may become aggresisve if they believe humans are part of the flock. I had a pair of rouens I raised from day olds, the drake would cuddle and sit on my lap but the minute I got up or tried to walk anywhere he'd bite my ankles or legs and start wing slapping. I'd have to pick him up and carry him around to avoid the biting. He was very tame otherwise though. I've never heard of females with "puppy duck syndrome."

 

[mom2jedi]

That imprint page was very helpful, thanks Fawkes! So, if I'm brooding a pair, that satisfies the sibling requirement and they won't be sooo dependent on me? Will they still mate with each other even though they are "siblings"? Will this method also keep a drake less aggressive as Dingo warned about?