first duck-discouraged

[FenDruadin]

Try crickets, especially if you don't mind hand-feeding them. Mine come running over to my hands to check for crickets!

They also love strawberries and other soft, sweet fruits, crushed into mouth-sized morsels.

Good luck. I hope you can get a companion for him. They do get depressed when they're alone, and that will cause them to eat less.

 

[rainplace]

Don't expect him to eat out of hand right away. My bantams still won't eat out of my hand. You can float lettuce for him. Cut it up bite size and it will stay floaty on the water (unlike those sinking peas!). Don't put too much lettuce in there either. Maybe start with a little bit, and if he likes it, do that a few times a day. You want him to be eager to see you coming, so if you put more than he can or is willing to eat, then you may not get the desired response. You kinda want him "begging" for more

Really though, it's the chilling near him without trying to do something he doesn't want you to do that will earn his trust. For the longest time I could only look "sideways" at my bantams in order for them to act natural around me. It's only been recently that I can look straight on at them.

Always walk slowly.

The love mealworms too!

 

[obsidianembrace]

Well my sisters just keep grabbing him all the time and chasing him all over the yard until they pick him up. Will that make him not like me too? Or just them?

 

[rainplace]

You need to keep your sister away. It's highly stressful for your bird. It would be better to put him in the cage if you can't keep your sister away.

 

[obsidianembrace]

Well they don't think they have to listen to me because mom said I was just being selfish (I maybe am a little, but not about chasing him around the yard. I don't do that) so now they are saying that over and over and say that they don't have to listen. I'll talk to my mom about it.

 

[rainplace]

Maybe if you show your mom this thread, she will understand more about ducks.

It looks like above all you want to provide the best for your little guy. You're beginning to understand that though you wish ducks were cuddly, that they aren't, and are now trying to find out what you can expect from him.... trying to figure out other ways you can enjoy him. They are highly enjoyable! Even though my ducks don't like to be held, I love it when they come up to my feet or legs and settle in for a nap or a nibble.

It's good you're here!

 

[Katy]

Definately keep the sisters away from him if they're chasing him. He'll never calm down and settle in if he's being chased all the time. Plus ducks are prone to leg injuries and all that running is likely to injure him.

 

[kcardella]

My ducks don't like to be held either, but they don't freak out if I pick them up (I have to corner them). I find it's best to move slowly when herding them anywhere, and keep to a routine.

As for treats, mine love all the things other people have mentioned, but they will JUMP on me to get scrambled eggs!!! They can smell when I have it, and will come running.

 

[aerosmith_99]

Call ducks do not generally eat alot. What are you feeding him now?