How do I get my ducks to be more friendly?

[zooweemama]

Peas and fresh corn.
Mine could preform brain surgery for peas and corn. LOL

Haven't tried corn yet! The peas have worked so beautifullly. I cannot wait to try crickets and mealworms though! Woohoo!

 

[Blondiega1]

Haven't tried corn yet! The peas have worked so beautifullly. I cannot wait to try crickets and mealworms though! Woohoo!

I may have to go to the bait store and try some crickets myself! LOL

 

[aaajjss1]

Well all the ducklings went to their new homes very quickly! Had to post this pic of the 6 week old cresteds begging for my daughters food (she sneaks them french fries sometimes) I call her the duck whisperer because they like her much better than me even though I take care of them lol

 

[aaajjss1]

before anyone starts getting upset I KNOW french fries arent good for ducks lol

 

[Wynette]

I'm amazed at your daughter's toenails. Sigh. Wish I had time to paint mine!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm amazed at your daughter's toenails. Sigh. Wish I had time to paint mine!

Boy did Wynette look at that pic. I had to go back and really look to see those toenails.

 

[aaajjss1]

i know right lol she just had a pedicure for her birthday

 

[Miss Lydia]

i know right lol she just had a pedicure for her birthday

All i saw were those cute lil ducklings with the pom poms on their heads.

 

[aaajjss1]

They or adorable I ordered the eggs from yday and those are the only 3 that hatched, kind of my fault though cos I didn't know what I was doing I think I killed the other 6

 

[QuackedUp]

Remember, to them you are still a stranger... STRANGER DANGER! AH! Hehe!

I would go about this similar to the way you would rehabilitate a neglected dog or skittish cat, etc.... Take time out of every day - a couple of hours if possible - just to sit down with them in a confined space... sitting on their level. Do not reach toward them, but instead, let them be the explorers. By not reaching out, you demonstrate that you are not a threat. Human fingers reaching out can often resemble claws, which will make them tense and apprehensive. Just keep doing this same thing every singile day... over and over again... until you are blue in the face. And when you think that you've hit a wall...that is when they will respond. You will learn each others movements and both of you will begin to trust one another. At the point at which the ducklings have begun to pursue you several times as you sit with them, then you can try a finger stroke on one of their breasts, or hand feedings again.

I know this isn't an easy answer, but I have seen it work with animals of various species --- I rehabilitate animals. However, if you just remember that "patience is a virtue" then all of your time spent sitting their in silence just watching and waiting WILL pay off in the end. If you are patient, you may develop a bond with your ducklings that is even closer than some of your other animals. Don't give up! You can do it!