Help! Ducklings biting each other

[goldfishcracker]

Im new here and to duck keeping so sorry if i sound dumb so i just got my first ducklings, little runners but they keep nibbling each other, especially each others beaks. Is this normal? It doesnt seem like theyre doing it hard and they only do it for a few seconds.

Also they seem super scared when i pick them up, they squeal and kick their feet (i pick them up very gently) i feel bad because i have to do this every time i clean them out but i dont want them to feel scared.. is it normal for them to be like this?

 

[closipov]

My ducklings do the same thing. I don't think they are hurting each other. Also it is normal for them to be afraid of you. I carry my 9 out in the morning and in at night and they do that constantly when being handled. They sound like they are being killed. Just very vocal. My adult ducks did the same thing when they were small.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Im new here and to duck keeping so sorry if i sound dumb so i just got my first ducklings, little runners but they keep nibbling each other, especially each others beaks. Is this normal? It doesnt seem like theyre doing it hard and they only do it for a few seconds. Also they seem super scared when i pick them up, they squeal and kick their feet (i pick them up very gently) i feel bad because i have to do this every time i clean them out but i dont want them to feel scared.. is it normal for them to be like this?

They're adorable! I agree with @closipov - it sounds like normal duckling behavior (and they'll be poking/pecking at each other when they're adults, too). I have Muscovy ducklings in the brooder right now, and they're constantly nibbling each other and everything else. As long as no one is injured and I don't see any blood, I don't worry much about it. In addition to the ducklings, I have chicks in another brooder, and while some of those chicks will sit happily in my hand, the ducklings don't want to be captured - they squeal loudly and run like I'm a predator, even though they know quite well by now that I'm both Room Service and Housekeeping. I don't take it personally; frankly, I think its healthy for them to retain some of their wild instincts to help them avoid real predators. If you want them to be more human-friendly, you can keep trying to handle them and get them to associate you with something positive - I'd say they're a bit young right now for treats, but I find that even really skittish (older) ducks will eventually come around with enough bribes. Not "jump in your lap" friendly, but they also won't run in the other direction...and in fairness, friendliness varies by individual duck/drake.

 

[chickens really]

Yes...Normal........Like all babies they put everything in their mouths...Ducklings all play and noodle...

Cheers!

 

[bdlamere]

I have month old ducklings that are near adults. During bath time and in the last week, I have noted that one is picking on the other as it squeaks and swims away. Well today I left them in the bath longer than normal cause I was caring for a younger sick chick. When I left the water out of the tub, I noted the water was extra dark. That is when I noted the one who gets picked on has its wings pecked at exposing blood. The duck seems fine but now has wounds. They have been raised together and have a large crate until it warms up outside. I do notice there is little pecking outside of bath time. When I separate them, they both squeal and quack for each other. I have them together now and they are fine, but once in a while the bully pecks at the other. I am unsure about keeping them together now especially while I sleep. Any advice????

 

[chickens really]

I have month old ducklings that are near adults. During bath time and in the last week, I have noted that one is picking on the other as it squeaks and swims away. Well today I left them in the bath longer than normal cause I was caring for a younger sick chick. When I left the water out of the tub, I noted the water was extra dark. That is when I noted the one who gets picked on has its wings pecked at exposing blood. The duck seems fine but now has wounds. They have been raised together and have a large crate until it warms up outside. I do notice there is little pecking outside of bath time. When I separate them, they both squeal and quack for each other. I have them together now and they are fine, but once in a while the bully pecks at the other. I am unsure about keeping them together now especially while I sleep. Any advice????

How old are your Ducklings?

 

[Miss Lydia]

At 4 weeks old they need something to do can you take them outside on warm days for some running around time? Get them tired out the bully may stop bullying. Of course supervise unless you can keep them where they are safe.

 

[Jmv]

I am new to ducks. My ducklings are about 3 weeks old. I think they are pecking out each others tail feathers, 2 out of 3 duckling have very few tail feathers. Is this normal? Is there something I can do to stop it?

 

[chickens really]

I am new to ducks. My ducklings are about 3 weeks old. I think they are pecking out each others tail feathers, 2 out of 3 duckling have very few tail feathers. Is this normal? Is there something I can do to stop it?

More room And get them outside. Ducklings need stimulus or noodle each other's feathers.

 

[Jmv]

More room And get them outside. Ducklings need stimulus or noodle each other's feathers.

I let them play outside with supervision on warm days while i clean out their brooder. I think it's still too cold where i live at night to keep them outside