first duck-discouraged

[obsidianembrace]

My new Call Duck-Clyde, won't let me touch him. He quacks and runs away with his mouth open and I pretty much had to tackle him to put him in his cage last night. I haven't seen him eat anything except peas we put in his water and some bugs laying around. He hasn't eaten hardly any of his actual 'duck food' in three days...is he okay? Upset? He seems happy the majority of the time. When he's swimming around, he's splashing and diving and everything. Does that mean he's happy? Or just bored?

I'm probably just being paranoid, but I'm still a little worried.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Ducks are flock birds, just like chickens. See if you can't talk your dad into letting you get at least one little hen to keep him company. Ducks don't like to be held very much. I've had mine for years and they still don't like to held.

 

[obsidianembrace]

oh, update about that. my mom has agreed to look into one, maybe two ducks for him. I don't know if she's talked to my dad about it though.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
That would be a good thing for him.

 

[rainplace]

Aww, poor little guy.

My ducks don't like to be held either. And when I first brought home my bantams they didn't eat much either, and they wouldn't take any treats from me. When ever I got near to them they acted like I was about to put them in the stew pot. And I also had to chase them to put them away. I think it was more traumatic for me than it was them

The mouth open quack went on for quite a while.

You may want to set a routine for your guy until you'll able to get a hen or two for him so that he knows what's happening when you do a certain thing. Maybe also you can just sit calmly in his general area while he goes about his business so he can get use to how you look and sound. I talk softly a lot when I'm just hanging in the yard. I can't remember how long I've had my bantams now... 4 or 5 weeks maybe, but they are just now willing to get within arms reach of me (I still can't touch them though)

You may want to set up a little run so you can herd him into his cage so you don't have to run him round and catch him. It's easy enough to do with cardboard even.

All it takes is some loving patience on your side and it will work out. He'll never be cuddly, but you should be able to gain his trust.

Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[obsidianembrace]

the most affectionate he's been with me.

http://s780.photobucket.com/albums/yy83/giraffeduckrat/
tons of pics if you'd like to take a look.

 

[obsidianembrace]

that's a good suggestion, rainplace. I'll definetly try that.

what treats can I offer him to maybe help him come closer to me? healthy things that he would like. He likes peas in his water, and I chucked him two cheerios out of impulse and he ate one (I had to scoop the other out). What else can I try?

 

[froggie71]

They love tomatoes, spinach and lettuce, and shredded carrots. Today was our ducks Birthday (Hatchday) So we let them have some feeder goldfish for a big treat! Haven't given them spaghetti yet, but I hear from Cetwin it's a hit!

 

[obsidianembrace]

haha, I read that about the spaghetti too. Might have try it...

I actually chucked some lettuce/spinach stuff out there earlier. Let me go see if it's gone...

***

Looks like it's gone, but my dog might have eaten it

Would he like a cherry if I bit half of it and took the pit out and gave him the rest? We do that with my dogs. Well he could probably eat around the pit, huh. Probably wouldn't even fit in his mouth.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Mine don't care for being held, but like to come sit near my feet. I put a chair by them when they are foraging and just chill. And Clyde may be a little depressed. Everything is new to him. Be patient and yes, a pair of ladies would perk up him mood immeasurably.