Ducks won't go to their pool, also terrified of me....

[Vyctoria]

I second the peas idea, as that is always the first treat I use with my ducklings to get them used to me. If it doesn't work, then my ducks' personal favorite are blueberries, but you have to be careful not to overfeed unless you want blue poop everywhere.

You say you raised them from ducklings? Were they always like this or did you ever handle them at all? By around 3 weeks I try to make sure they are eating from my hand, but you will hopefully still be able to coax them into it over time. I would try sitting down and then tossing treats in their direction, slowly throwing them closer and closer to yourself each time. This can be such a long process, but it's all about patience.

Every duck is different though, which can make things very difficult. My oldest three that I raised are very tame, but the second batch of three I didn't spend nearly enough time with when they were young, so they hate being caught. They're almost a year old and getting better each day, but one just refuses to be touched no matter what, the little stinker.

I wish you the best though. I know skittish ducks can be an absolute pain in the butt.

 

[shawluvsbirds]

Not to stir the pot on the bread subject, but I got desperate enough to try that a couple times and they hated it anyway and wouldn't eat it! Lol just keep trying to find something they like and can't resist. I'm still learning about ducks but I know the key to gaining any critters affection is food and patience!

 

[3crazyboys]

My KC's were the same way at that age! Def try peas and mealworms. Once they get a little older, they'll realize that you're their friend!

 

[Silkie2]

I second the peas idea, as that is always the first treat I use with my ducklings to get them used to me. If it doesn't work, then my ducks' personal favorite are blueberries, but you have to be careful not to overfeed unless you want blue poop everywhere.

You say you raised them from ducklings? Were they always like this or did you ever handle them at all? By around 3 weeks I try to make sure they are eating from my hand, but you will hopefully still be able to coax them into it over time. I would try sitting down and then tossing treats in their direction, slowly throwing them closer and closer to yourself each time. This can be such a long process, but it's all about patience.

Every duck is different though, which can make things very difficult. My oldest three that I raised are very tame, but the second batch of three I didn't spend nearly enough time with when they were young, so they hate being caught. They're almost a year old and getting better each day, but one just refuses to be touched no matter what, the little stinker.

I wish you the best though. I know skittish ducks can be an absolute pain in the butt.

i did handle them, i tried to handle them almost every day. one would eat out of my hand, but since i got them at a couple days old, they have been terrified of me (except for one that USED to like me) my ducks won't eat peas. idk if it is just that they weren't hungry when i fed them or...? i've now started to feed them a lot less and when i do feed them i toss the food to them. they've gotten really close to me to get some of their pellets (but still VERY skittish) my goal is to get them to eat out of my hand by the end of the summer

My KC's were the same way at that age! Def try peas and mealworms. Once they get a little older, they'll realize that you're their friend!

Thankls!
like i said, they aren't a fan of peas (weird, i know ) maybe ive just been feeding them peas when they aren't hungry idk lol
i sure hope so, they freak out when i enter there pen. i have to sit on the ground so they can calm down lol

 

[3crazyboys]

@Silkie2 Just realized that your avatar says New England! Where in New England are you? I'm in southern NH, near Manchester.

 

[Silkie2]

@Silkie2 Just realized that your avatar says New England! Where in New England are you? I'm in southern NH, near Manchester.

we're in Southern NH too!