Ducks, they seem to be terrified of me!

[jakej1978]

I purchased 5 ducks that were about a day or so old. Two are Pekin, two are female mallards, and last one is a mostly black duck with a white breast and green tint in the head.

Anyway, they are about 3 months old now, and always run away from me. I try to feed them treats but they simply aren't interested when I'm near and will usually find it hours later. The ducks seem to follow the Pekin, who is the largest and loudest, and they always get up and follow him/her when I get about 10 feet from them.

Any ideas on how I can get them to not always run away? If they can't get away, they usually bunch up in a corner and freak out til I'm gone.

 

[BolanSixx]

My three ducks do that too! I would love to know if there is some secret way to get them to not run away…..

They will even jump out of the pool and run into a corner….

 

[Carcajou]

, both of you.

Ducks are prey animals so it is natural for them to be cautious of anything tall. They run and cower because they think they are in danger. Everything you do around them must be slow, calm and deliberate. Always speak calmly around them

Try feeding them treats. You might start by placing lettuce or peas in their pen or near their water. Once they get used to getting treats you might try sitting on the ground and placing the treats near you. Wait for them to come to the treats and don't make any sudden motion or try to touch them. And BE PATIENT.

Good luck. Oh, and post pics. We all like to see photos of each others flocks!

 

[BolanSixx]

Thank you!

I'm sorry I snuck in on your post, jakej1978. =)

 

[Going Quackers]

Pretty typical, as said they are prey animals so the natural instinct to run away is strong. How did you raise them? i find if you want tame they need to be with their person a lot, so that means direct contact, not just physically but there for feed, treats, general care, your presence needs to be strong.

Mind you just to toss a wrench into it lol some birds just never will, they have personalities and some prefer a more guarded approach. I have a big flock of Muscovy, they are what i call "farm" ducks, meaning you can get close, i can fill a feeder, i can corner one and pick it up if i need too and the odd one is friendly enough to be petted or cuddled BUT they are not tame, in the sense they will follow me or be underfoot.

Then i have some i have raised *cough* in my house now those i can hand feed, but pick up? depends on the bird, my buffs and calls yes, the two scovies i have ?? nah, they kick up a fuss and i have the scratches to prove it!!

Personally, i don't think it's a good idea to look at ducks as cats and dogs for level of handling, they aren't really that sort, yes a few can be, always exceptions but generally, they again have a strong drive to flee and are not fond of being picked up, i usually try and not do that, but house raised have to be otherwise a dog may get a bit rough and the stairs are hard to manage lol After they move out, i herd my ducks instead, opting to get them back close with treats.

Ducks are personable and friendly but it's a different dynamic and one you will build over time with each one, some will never be that close, others will allow you such access you can handle their young without fear of attack.

Good luck!

 

[jakej1978]

Yeah, mine do that too, they jump out of the pool and go to their corner, climbing over one another..