Help! Making imprinted ducks independent

[ToriRori]

Hello, I'm Tori. I have raised two Indian runner ducks, and they are about 9 weeks old. They have been sleeping in a large dog crate next to my bed. They definitely imprinted (at least somewhat) on me, because since the beginning they were screaming when they couldn't see me, and would constantly follow me or try to climb on me. They don't cry anymore when they are in my room. We have been slowly converting a large dog pen in our backyard into a duck pen, and finally could transfer them into it over this past weekend. They were happy in it when we first introduced them, but the second I left the pen, they just stood where they last saw me and cried and cried for two hours. Eventually we decided to have them out there during the day and have them sleep in my room at night for a little bit until they get used to it. However, today was my first day having them out there while I was at work... and they did not eat or drink or get in the kiddie pool the entire time I was gone. It looks like they just cried and looked for me the whole time, which is what my dad said. When I got home, they ate and drank like they were starved. I took them out to get in our fish pond, which was their absolute FAVORITE thing to do every day, but they acted like they were terrified of the water! (however, if I carried them back to the pen and put them in the kiddie pool, they were fine) My mom also said she couldn't get them to swim in the pond when she checked on them earlier. I tried enticing them with treats and sitting with them for a long time by the pond. I'm worried about them... has anyone seen something like this and have any tips or experience to share to ease my worries?

 

[CarleeAnn]

When I transitioned my ducks from beside my bed to outside, they would just stand and quack for me. It just took time.

I focused on them “understanding” that I will not come to a quack, because I was in a neighborhood and loudness was the first issue to address! I did this in increments:

I first timed how long it took my two girls to start quacking after I left.

I would then return just before they stopped quacking. If they quacked before I returned I would wait for them to be silent- it eventually happened. This was reinforcing them being quiet.

I would slowly increase my wait time before I returned, if I waited to long and they quacked again I would go back two increments.

(I hope this is making sense....)

Anyways, my ducks did not get into their pond until I got in it with them! (Up to my knees). I would “disappear” while they were preening and distracted. I did this so often that eventually they got in on their own and stayed in after I left.

The ducks will eat when they’re hungry and drink when they’re thirsty.... They won’t harm themselves waiting for you, just give this time.

Good luck!! I hope this was helpful.