How do I make ducks OK with being touched

[djstanczak]

Just got my first baby ducks about 4 days ago (ancona and khaki campbell). They run and hide in corner anytime we go near them, but I do not want to stress them since they are under a week old. So I just feed, water and clean. My question is should I be picking them up and holding them so they will be friendly when older?

My chicks did this also and I only picked them up if necessary. Now they are older they will sit close to me by the fence, take food from my hand, and sometimes follow, but will not allow us to pick them up. I am hoping the ducks will be more friendly. What is the best approach? Should I wait until they are older?

 

[ChickenLoverGia]

Hi! to answer your question, YES! chicks and ducks need to be picked up and held, in order for them to become friendlier. If they are young, they might find this scary, and maybe a little stressful but when you hold them more and more they adapt to it, expect it, and will definitely warm up to you. I have raised both ducks and chicks and I think that they become friendlier the earlier you start interacting with them, so don't wait until their older. I have given my chicks total TLC and most of them will come and jump right up on my lap! I hope this answered your question! Thanks!

 

[PatrickRoo]

Don't wait. I just got ducklings about 3 hours ago and my sister and I immediately started interacting with them. Picking them up makes them have a more tame behavior. Just make sure to wash your hands before and after handling a duck. The ducklings will adapt overtime (any bird really will) and eventually won't mind you picking them up.