help

[ducks rule]

why wont my ducks imprint on me we bought them off craigslist we had them since the fourth of july they are still scared of me why are they doing this

 

[Kevin565]

Imprinting happens moments after they hatch. Birds that are hatched by other people are very unlikely to imprint on you.

 

[ducks rule]

so they are not going to imprit on me

 

[Moonkit]

They may not imprint, but they can still be tamed. It just takes work.

First, try just sitting near them on the ground with a handful/can/bowl of choice treats. Maybe fresh greens or veggies, mealworms, etc.. Talk quietly to them about anything, you want them to get used to your voice and presense. Toss the treats away from you and near them (gradually you can work the distance closer). Keep your movements slow, nothing sudden to scare them.

Gradually, the treats and their curiosity will bring them nearer. Don't try to grab or pick them up at first, just work on getting them to accept eating close to you.. even from your hand if you can. When you first try petting them, touch them from the sides and below, not grabbing, just stroking. Gradually, you'll cease to be considered a threat to them. You can then work on gradually working your way up in the pets until you can reach the 'feel good' areas. Massaging under the wings or a rub against the earlobes feels great to a bird and not areas they can reach easily themselves to the same effect.

It takes time, they won't tame immediately, but it will happen if you're patient. We had a free-ranged bantam hen come to us that we bought... wild as anything, screamed in fear when we came near, struggled and screeched when grabbed.. after a few weeks of these efforts, I can now pick her up one handed and hold her on her side. She's even fallen asleep on her back in my lap.. this is a hen that never knew a human's touch before we got her.

 

[Amiga]

Ditto Moonkit.

patience, treats, patience, treats, over and over and over again.

I had to seemingly start from square one with my runners. I got them as day-olds, and all was ducky till they were three weeks old, then I became Much-to-be-Feared, and they went stark raving panic when I got near the brooder.

Taking some good advice from a few people on BYC DF, I started coming in low (squatting down before coming in), making gentle noises before coming around corners or through the door, offering treats and just sitting next to them talking or reading.

It took several weeks for them to settle down. Now, I have very sweet friendly runners, a few of whom will let me pet them.

No one likes being picked up, though.

 

[ducks rule]

so if i cut up a apple from the hyvee they will like it

 

[Amiga]

I don't think apples would work. Take a look at the sticky for duck treats. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements

 

[ducks rule]

will go nuts for crabapples

 

[ducks rule]

i know they like lettice i ment they love it