How can i get my ducklings to like me?

[SamyyCakes]

I purchased 4 adorable ducklings at the fair a few days ago, There temporarly in the bathtub untill the harsh weather outside clears up so i can pute them back in there pen. But there absolutley terified of anyone who gos near them. They hate being picked up and handled exsept for when i have one seporated from the rest thats the only time they seem to calm down, but even then they just dont like being held. Whenever i go to cleanup or refill the food they spaz out and im afarid there going to hurt themselves. What can i do to make them less scared and more friendly? I want to take them outside by the lake but i dont want to lose them if there all going to run in different directions and scatter away. I have had ducklings befor, But never ones this scared, and if you can tell me what breed they are that would be greate. Thannk you

picture VVV

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=n6re6d&s=6

 

[priss]

Peas? Mine will do anything for peas!

 

[xxSonja]

Im not good with duck breeds so i cant help you with that, sorry
but the getting them to like you part... I think just going slow for starters, be calm and gentlle and patient with them... let them get use to the idea that you arn't gonna eat them! lol
Oh and Bribery helps too, my ducks drug of choice is peas...

 

[tia]

Peas peas and more peas - hand feed them peas. Pick them up and pet them. They like having their neck scratched.

 

[Amiga]

I agree that treats (but not so much they pop!) really help a human-duck relationship

Some breeds are more skittery than others, with much more energy.

They may not be used to being handled gently, so you may have to be extra patient to undo their early opinions of humans!

Move slowly - very, very slowly. Talk quietly, and remember how much bigger you are. Get them used to the sound of your quiet voice.

After what may seem like an eternity, when they will come to your hand offering them feed (perhaps you just want to put a few crumbles in the palm of your hand and let them eat out of it. This could take fifteen minutes or more.), gently pick one up and hold it. If it doesn't settle down fairly soon, let it go back with its buddies. Some will probably take to handling more quickly than others. Find the brave one who likes people, and let them set the example for the others. A few may always be really skittery, but the more consistent you are with them the better they will be with you.

I hope you enjoy watching paint dry, because that is sometimes the kind of patience it takes with these critters!

 

[Amiga]

By the way, how warm are you keeping them?

 

[bigstack]

patiance, treats, time, gentle handling, and love. also try to let them know you are comming. don't just pop into the room. talk to them from a distance as you approach the door or hall etc. That way they know you are coming and will be ready. They have problly had a lot of rough handling before you got them. They will come around. slow, gentle movement, hand feeding and neck/head scratches. Talk to them alot. use a calm soft voice as you do all of the above. Use the same voice as with a scared sick child. To them everything in new, scarey, and giant.

Good luck and God Bless!

 

[lovesduckies]

food. ducks do anythiing for food. lol. when i first got my babies they were skiddish and didn't like me. i fed them out of my hand and held them together. i only had 2 though. when i had only one duckling, again food. that duckling would eat then run over to me and sleep on me then want down and eat then run back over to me. it was the duckie routine all day. but FOOD is your best bet. treats. anything they like!!

 

[SamyyCakes]

i am useing a heatlamp.

thanks alot people ill try it out

anyone know what breed they might be?

 

[conny63malies]

Mine used to love pasta, every time i made noodles for dinner i just made a little more . I fed them the leftovers and pretty soon the ate out of my hands. Throw them some and let them eat it, over the next few days throw the treats closer and closer to you until you can sit down and the eat from your hands.