Help! I can't escape my ducks!

[Kackley33]

I have two rouen ducklings, 2 weeks old. They think I am mom so need to be with me 24/7. If I try to sneak away (like maybe run to the restroom) they go off like two little car alarms, or follow me. This all would be fine and dandy if I didn't have a job. I have been bringing them to work with me for the past week and my employer so far has been understanding, but at some point they are going to have to suffer some seperation anxiety. When can I start to leave them alone for a few hours? And what about leaving them with a "babysitter." It isn't me, but its another person who can give them attention. Would this be enough or does it absolutely have to be ME? Thanks much!

 

[Goat_Walker]

When we brought ducklings inside they didnt care hwo it was, just as longas they had a pair of bare feet to follow... or sit on.

 

[Wifezilla]

My welsh harlequins think I am mama, so I understand. Sometimes you just have to let them peep their little heads off. One thing you CAN do is to put a mirror and a turkey feather duster in their pen. They snuggle in the duster feathers and they also spend time looking at the "other ducks" and don't notice you aren't there

 

[toletiquesbysam]

That's cute and scary at the same time!!!

Maybe it's you and not the ducks that have an actual problem!!

Do they not stay in a brooder, you have them living in your home with you? Your boss lets you bring them to work?????????? I'm amazed at this, not that I don't think about my animals while I'm at work, but I would draw the line at bringing them to work with me!!

Maybe all three of you should see a counselor!!

 

[Kackley33]

Feather duster and mirror, now THAT is a good idea!!! Fabulous! My problem (or virtue, depending on how you see it) is that I treat all my pets like little people and care deeply about their happiness and well-being. They are relying on me to take care of them after all! And I do love my little duckies. The only time they go into a cage is when they ride in the car in a cat carrier or at night when I put them in a big tub to sleep in. Personally, I am not a big fan of keeping animals penned up.

 

[JamWest1007]

OK Kackley33, I have to ask, how do you keep up with the mess? I can just picture the adorable little things following along at your heals...what I can't picture is keeping up with the mess they make

...or am I the only one blessed with VERY messy (and stinky) ducklings?

 

[Kackley33]

Hardwood/linoleum floors, towels and a whole lot of TP and wet ones. Right now they generally contain themselves in one area, like the kitchen when I am at home and around my desk at work. I have a few towels down where their water and food are and of course they destroy that. Obviously, this won't work in the long run unless I lay down sawdust in my house. !!!! I have read that people keep ducks as indoor pets and put diapers on them. I am not quite there yet... I eagerly await the moment they can be FREE in the yard. We live on 5 acres and have a pond. We also have chickens (3) and 2 rabbits that run free during the day. Still, I am worried that they (the duckies) are going to think that being in the house is totally normal and their preferred place of residence!