Handling baby ducklings

[Everly]

My ducklings are now one week and two days old. I have been trying to socialize them but anytime I pick them up the majority of them freak out. A couple of them settle down and will sit in my hands but I was just wondering if I should continue to try and hold them or what? I want them to be friendly and unafraid of the people in my family but I don't want to stress them out. Any advice is welcome!

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

Remember that they're prey- don't move suddenly and don't come at them from above. What's your set up like? I started with sitting next to the brooder and just putting my hands in the brooder with them. After a few minutes they would forget I was there or decide I was okay and start walking around normally again, so it's start moving a little. One they were used to that I or one hand in front of their feet and one behind them and give a little tap so they'd step on to me. After that it wasn't long before they figured out that I'm a warm cushy spot to sleep and the edge of my shirt makes a nice "wing" to snuggle under.

 

[EverythingDucks]

I would recommend sitting in a bathroom, or somewhere easy to clean up after them, and hand feed them food or (age appropriate) treats. Like @Eggstatic ChickyDoo said, no sudden moments, just let them come to you. They're still so little and are probably scared, or not sure what to think of us giant humans lol. After siting with them for like 10-30 mins a day (or multiple times) they'll get more comfortable with you. I would love if you could send some pictures of the little ones

 

[Everly]

Here's their setup. They're in my kitchen. So far they're comfortable with us walking around, the dogs and cats checking them out(our cats have been exposed to chickens and know they're friends not food so have no interest in the babies or adult chickens) they also get up and run toward me/ around the brooder when I sweet talk them. I sit with them often and have put my hand in but not often enough so I'll start doing as you suggested as well as take them out to hang out every once in a while

 

[Everly]

Here's a few more. My lily is a great pyrenees and in love with the babies and my other girl bella, boxer/Great Dane, thinks all babies are her babies. They have great guardians <3

 

[Everly]

Duuuddeee! I just needed better snacks lol

 

[EverythingDucks]

SO CUTEEEE!!!! Lol I want some so bad right now Also, is that a Pyrenean Mountain Dog ? and Great Dane? I I have viscous Yorkie and sweet Maltipoo

 

[Everly]

SO CUTEEEE!!!! Lol I want some so bad right now Also, is that a Pyrenean Mountain Dog ? and Great Dane? I I have viscous Yorkie and sweet Maltipoo

Well spotted! Lily is 50/50 Great Pyrenees/Maremma and Bella is 50/50 Great Dane/Boxer

 

[Maddog_photog]

I have two Pekin ducklings just over 3 weeks old - HUGE! What I do is if warm outside, take them out and let them sift around the garden while I water my flowers. Some nights, I put a towel over my lap and hold both of them at the same time with a lil cup of water for them to sip when they start panting. I may have a plate with fresh cut up strawberry or cherry tomato. After the feeding frenzy, they’ll lay down and start to drift off into sleep. One will often try and snuggle into my armpit. The past two weeks, we’ve been going on Duck Adventures™ the three of us going to get my morning coffee and maybe even a trip to the local plant nursery. Sometimes I’ll even read a children’s book to them while they’re in their brooder (“The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? By Mo Willems is a favorite!). Even with all this attention, the duckies run away and panic when I try to pick them up, or even just pet them. It sounds like it’s in their ducky nature to be on edge. Regardless for me, I still enjoy our time together and outings.