Help with getting ducks more friendly

[Sierra67]

I have 9 ducks, all cayuga all of which hate me/ are afraid of me, 7 of which I raised from ducklings, any tips or tricks to make them more friendly?

 

[sourland]

Feed/treats is your friend when taming fowl. Do not approach from above and have them come to you. Limiting access to feed can help. When in their 'teen aged' phase ducks tend to become spooky.

 

[demonic]

I have 9 ducks, all cayuga all of which hate me/ are afraid of me, 7 of which I raised from ducklings, any tips or tricks to make them more friendly?

Try feeding from hand, and trying to slowly pet them when, not from above though, from where they can see your hand. Don’t try to handle them all the time, they might dislike it. For example, occasionally if one walks near you don’t pick it up and let it walk by so you can gain their trust, because some might not like to be touched that much So they’ll understand they can be close to you

 

[Sierra67]

Try feeding from hand, and trying to slowly pet them when, not from above though, from where they can see your hand. Don’t try to handle them all the time, they might dislike it. For example, occasionally if one walks near you don’t pick it up and let it walk by so you can gain their trust, because some might not like to be touched that much So they’ll understand they can be close to you

They wont even come near, won’t walk by won’t run by won’t come for food

 

[Yardmom]

Ducks are skittish by nature. Young ducks especially can be scared of everything especially things that move. If you want them to come to you, you need to become thier only source of food. That means if your goal is to get them closer you can't leave free choice food out at all times. Feed them smaller portions a few times a day. I would not try to touch them until they are used to you being near.

 

[Quatie]

How old are they? Most ducks tend to go through a phase of being super unsocial around 9 weeks. I find as they start laying, they slowly become social again. They just go through that teenage stage where the parents are so uncool . Just give it time. Like everyone else said, treats can lure them in. Throw the mealworms or other treat on the ground near you. My mealworms are in an orange HD bucket. The ducks know exactly what is in it. I would find something you can store your treat in that they can recognize and know it is treat time.

Also the more time you spend with them, even just sitting with them, the more they will trust you. Don't be surprised if they go in waves too. Broodiness, being picked on or other events can change how social they are.

Also some individual ducks may never like you. I have one that truly does not trust me and never will. Still willing to eat mealworms out of my hand with a suspicious look.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I talk to my ducks (and chickens) all of the time. I say certain words for treats, food, bed time, etc. I just acquired 3 4-5 month old runners. Talk about afraid of the new human. I just keep everything as consistent as possible so that they learn the routine and what I'm doing out there in their space. I use their behavior to my advantage - when it's time to round them up for bed or when I need to close off a certain part of the run it's easier to herd them to where I want them. I've had them for 2-3 weeks now. It's a slow process, but every day they do something that reassures me that they are learning the ropes in their new set up and beginning to trust me. Today was that they allowed me to be about 5' from them without running away.
I've raised ducklings as well and they go through phases of fear. But, the best thing is to get on their level and talk soothingly to them. Let them see you aren't always on the move. Toss some food or mealworms their way. Ducks are quick learners. They will use it to their advantage too.

 

[Sierra67]

How old are they? Most ducks tend to go through a phase of being super unsocial around 9 weeks. I find as they start laying, they slowly become social again. They just go through that teenage stage where the parents are so uncool . Just give it time. Like everyone else said, treats can lure them in. Throw the mealworms or other treat on the ground near you. My mealworms are in an orange HD bucket. The ducks know exactly what is in it. I would find something you can store your treat in that they can recognize and know it is treat time.

Also the more time you spend with them, even just sitting with them, the more they will trust you. Don't be surprised if they go in waves too. Broodiness, being picked on or other events can change how social they are.

Also some individual ducks may never like you. I have one that truly does not trust me and never will. Still willing to eat mealworms out of my hand with a suspicious look.

2 are a year
4 are 5 months
3 are 2 months

 

[Quatie]

2 are a year
4 are 5 months
3 are 2 months

Some of them are definitely in that teenage age. Give it time and patience and they will come around. Once one does, they will all be worried about missing out on something good.

 

[Sierra67]

Some of them are definitely in that teenage age. Give it time and patience and they will come around. Once one does, they will all be worried about missing out on something good.

I hope you’re right I would love my ducks to not be afraid. How long would you guess