Growing up spoiled?

[Denninmi]

My three are getting older, and they really do remind me of puppies. As soon as they hear or see me, its now a constant whine for attention. When I come anywhere near their brooders, they now come to the corners and want to be picked up. Even the middle, Victor/Victoria-still-not-sure-of-the-gender gosling that is timid is getting more and more interested in some time with dad.

If only the nibbling of the flesh didn't hurt so much. I think I'm going to have to wear long sleeved shirts around them, they really like my arms.

This was last Thursday. They've grown a lot since then:

The middle sized one, the one with the beak clearly visible in the first photo, is the one that is confusing me about gender. Beak was dark like the oldest, a definite female, but the down still appears to be coming in white, and the beak is lightening up.

 

[chicmom]

Gee, they are really fuzzy and cute......I've never had ducks or geese......So it hurts when they nibble on you? Just love nibbles though......LOL

 

[Denninmi]

Oh, they're love nibbles, or really more like exploratory nibbles -- they use their beaks as the primary way of interacting with the world. But they have a lot of force behind it, since they can rip tough plant matter. It does NOT feel good.

 

[Speceider]

Just wait until breeding season. You think nibbling is bad now? Imprinted birds think of you as part of the flock, when they mature, you'll be a competitor.

Clint

 

[Sore Thumb Suburbanite]

Quote:
that sounds scary... I just got rid of my males who were giving me this machismo attitude when I approached their yard... they stretched out and beat their wings, stood very tall and puffed out and would follow me around the perimeter... Males! I only have a female now and she better not question my dominance, I don't want to deal with it again and I really want her to stay sweet and friendly-and quiet prefferably. She does nibble though... it does not feel great, I put on a thick canvas apron when i pick her up and I'm constantly having to move my hair (or else she will swallow it-and that is just gross), and if she nibbles my skin I immediately flinch and move her beak with my hand... she gets the picture and isn't doing it as much anymore.