Help..

[Vickers58]

So we have three ducks. Two ducklings (still not sure on the breed...thanks to a sketchy poultry farmer) and a male Indian Runner. They are still pretty new to us so the older duck doesn't quite trust me.

Our coop and run are not connected and i have to physically pick them up to get them into the coop at night. Because the older one doesn't quite trust me yet there can be a lot of chaos....no matter how slow and steady i go. We are working on putting together a connection for the coop and the run to eliminate me having to stir up everyone.

So my question is...do you think these guys will EVER trust me? I feel awful having to pick them up... and they are not really my biggest fans right now. I try to sit outside with them while i read or do yard work...but anytime i come near the run they get scared!

 

[EJPedrazzi]

Peas! My ducks will do backflips for peas! Just defrost some, start sprinkling them in their coop while making a noise that you will use as your 'call'. Then start making the call but keep the peas in your hands, or throw them steadily closer to you. I have an older duck who is just getting used to this idea - when I call them my babies come running and she's still standing in the back missing out on all the peas - she'll soon get used to it and start trusting me (I hope!)

 

[Miss Lydia]

It does take time, and not knowing what kind of life they have had doesn't make it any easier. Your doing the right thing by spending time with them, they may never climb into your lap and like to be picked up but I think they will eventually trust you enough to eat out of your hand. And you never know for peas and meal worms mine will practically climb up my leg. and extending the pen so you don't have to pick them up will help a lot too. Time and Patience.

 

[Vickers58]

thanks... i needed a pat on the back. I feel like my poor ducks hate me! I love them so much!

I was really hoping that the ducklings would imprint on me.... but after spending some time with Richard the Runner.... it seems they have imprinted on him! And surprisingly enough... he loves them too! He doesn't like to be away from them!

 

[Miss Lydia]

thanks... i needed a pat on the back. I feel like my poor ducks hate me! I love them so much!

I was really hoping that the ducklings would imprint on me.... but after spending some time with Richard the Runner.... it seems they have imprinted on him! And surprisingly enough... he loves them too! He doesn't like to be away from them!

And that's just what Richard needed, he is healing and eventually you'll be part of their group. after all your the one with the treats!

 

[Amiga]

It was heartbreaking when my runners went through the phase in which they acted as if I were a duck axe-murderer.

We got through it. Patience, singing, treats, staying low to the ground, treats, patience, seemed to work.