Ducks

[Jimdeau]

I recently got some ducklings from my brother who impulsively bought them and now doesn't want to take care of them. He neglected them for a good while and so I took them in as well as raising chicks. These ducklings were already afraid of my brother so they would be afriad of me since I look like him. Is there any way I could warm them up to me? I've tried being slow and talking to them but they are so loud and scared. They were trying to eat the Styrofoam so I shush them away a couple times and I think I ruined my chance of raising these loud and stressful ducklings what can I do or change my behavior? They are about 2 weeks old

 

[Jimdeau]

I recently got some ducklings from my brother who impulsively bought them and now doesn't want to take care of them. He neglected them for a good while and so I took them in as well as raising chicks. These ducklings were already afraid of my brother so they would be afriad of me since I look like him. Is there any way I could warm them up to me? I've tried being slow and talking to them but they are so loud and scared. They were trying to eat the Styrofoam so I shush them away a couple times and I think I ruined my chance of raising these loud and stressful ducklings what can I do or change my behavior? They are about 2 weeks old

They are also yellow pekin ducklings if that helps

 

[DucksOhio]

Bless you for rescuing the ducks. The ducks will be skittish for a while. ducks are birds, they will always be somewhat fearful of humans. Soon they’ll recognize you as the one who feeds and cares for them. My ducks come running to me when I bring them pea treats. move very slowly around ducks, I often keep my hands behind my back so that I look more like a duck to them.

 

[ruthhope]

Mine are all rescues that have had traumatic pasts. They are not cuddly ducks leaping into my lap, but they are so curious about what I am doing and where I am. They come running up when I go in the back yard, and hang about on the back steps looking through the patio doors when they know I am inside the house. They know I go out every morning and move to the side gate to shout to me as I leave. They often come running to the side gate when they hear me coming home. I am sure your ducks will settle down and get used to you . They will be happy to come for treats from your hand and to come running up when you appear. Pekins are lovely sociable ducks. Just continue caring for them and talking to them. Trust building takes time

 

[thumper650]

Move slowly, like others said. Give treats, and don’t change your appearance too much. My ducks are adults and still freak out if I enter their pen with my sweatshirt hood on my head! So I get very wet when it rains. Give them time, they’ll warm up to you.

 

[Compostflower]

I agree with what everyone else is saying for sure. I used to play my ducks classical music on low ish because they’re were very rowdy ducklings and would get super stressed if they lost sight of me and start crying. They would stick their heads over their box and look around for me LOL. They still love music of any kind and will bob their heads and occasionally sing along or just look in the direction the music is coming from and stop what they are doing. When you talk to them maybe speak softly as if you were talking to your hypothetical child since they will for sure become your actual children. When you approach if you have nothing in your hands show them ( this is a tactic I learned from a family friend who is a vet). Try having a conversation with them about anything at all, the weather, your life, what your favorite sport is etc. ducks are incredibly intelligent and mine understand many words like come here, stop, hello, goodnight, go home, and follow me for example. They will be your best buddy and extremely involved in your daily events they will love to watch and listen to you. Not sure how old yours are but when they are old enough in a protected environment let them walk around in grass and show them little pebbles for their guzzard. I also agree with the treats things for most lettuce I recommend cutting it up into pieces because they like that more and putting it in a bowl with water like a soup. Also if you have time just pull up a chair and sit with them so they know you want to spend time with them.
Having ducks personally changed my life and they have given me way more than I have given them I feel like. When you have a bird friend it’s the most unique experience and very rewarding. Their little personalities will have you laughing, crying, and having your heart warmed daily.