How do I make my ducks imprint on me?

[zainab02]

Hi, I’ve recently got 5 pekin ducklings that are a week old now and I’ve had them for 6 days and they’re still scared of me and run away or panic and scream when I hold them. I had them incubated so when they hatched they would’ve seen another human and known to imprint on humans. Any tips on how I can get them to imprint on me or at the very least stop being scared of me?

 

[TheDuckGuy]

Hi, I’ve recently got 5 pekin ducklings that are a week old now and I’ve had them for 6 days and they’re still scared of me and run away or panic and scream when I hold them. I had them incubated so when they hatched they would’ve seen another human and known to imprint on humans. Any tips on how I can get them to imprint on me or at the very least stop being scared of me?

Okay.... Be the only one to takes care of them. My ducks imprinted on me but didn’t cuddle me but my mallard doesn’t run and I can pick her up easily but my pekin runs from me still (but he loves me) he only runs because I waited so late to train him his routine. Time will tell

 

[zainab02]

Okay.... Be the only one to takes care of them. My ducks imprinted on me but didn’t cuddle me but my mallard doesn’t run and I can pick her up easily but my pekin runs from me still (but he loves me) he only runs because I waited so late to train him his routine. Time will tell

Okay will do! thank you for your help. Is it too late for them to imprint on me by any chance?

 

[Katicorn]

Hi, I’ve recently got 5 pekin ducklings that are a week old now and I’ve had them for 6 days and they’re still scared of me and run away or panic and scream when I hold them. I had them incubated so when they hatched they would’ve seen another human and known to imprint on humans. Any tips on how I can get them to imprint on me or at the very least stop being scared of me?

I’ve had great success crushing up a cherry tomato and putting it on a white paper towel with grit. Then putting the same combo on my finger tips and the towel later in the day. Second day they get crazy excited and eat it off my fingers. Always, sitting next to the brooder talking to them. I use “Girlie Girlie Girlies.”

Makes is so much easier “to catch them” for cleaning the brooder and bath/swimming time.

 

[zainab02]

I’ve had great success crushing up a cherry tomato and putting it on a white paper towel with grit. Then putting the same combo on my finger tips and the towel later in the day. Second day they get crazy excited and eat it off my fingers. Always, sitting next to the brooder talking to them. I use “Girlie Girlie Girlies.”

Makes is so much easier “to catch them” for cleaning the brooder and bath/swimming time.

I’ve been trying this peas and they’re fine once I get them to eat peas but still panic when I pick them up and otherwise run away from me

 

[Katicorn]

I’ve been trying this peas and they’re fine once I get them to eat peas but still panic when I pick them up and otherwise run away from me

Mine are still a little concerned about the picking up part. Not so much total panic like it was two days ago. But 4 of the 5 are semi-ok with it now. The runt is still a little concerned. But when she’s the last in the brooder she easier to scoop.

Just stay calm, play music, talk, create a greeting that means treat and fun time. Try the treat without picking up several times a day. Not tons of treats... Like one finely diced cherry tomato with grit is for my 5 ducklings.

I’m not an expert with ducks by any means,this is my first time around. But I’m very experienced with animals. Dont show your fear or hesitance and stay persistent. I’d try tomatoes as well. Mine are ok with peas, but tomatoes are like crack to them.lol

Now, if could get them to stop throwing water all over the place 10 times a day I’d be in business.

 

[SolarDuck]

Okay will do! thank you for your help. Is it too late for them to imprint on me by any chance?

I would say it is too late for them to fully imprint on you. Generally that happens within the first 24-48hrs. It's not too late to make them friendly and tame them.

 

[TheDuckGuy]

Okay will do! thank you for your help. Is it too late for them to imprint on me by any chance?

Nope

 

[KaleIAm]

I agree with @SolarDuck. It is likely too late for them to fully imprint on you, but they can be friendly and stop fearing you. I have even tamed adult domestic ducks who were terrified of humans, so you can certainly do it.

1. Stop doing everything scary. Don't look directly at them - that is what a predator does before it attacks. Look next to them instead. Pay careful attention to what scares them and don't do it.

2. Make every experience with you positive. They should associate you with good things. When I'm taming adult ducks I will throw mealworms at them everytime I pass their aviary so they are hoping to see me instead of fearing to see me. My ducks also love tomatoes.

3. Spend lots of time near them being still. You want them to get used to you being around, not focused on them. I knit, read a book, take a nap anything calm and quiet.

If you have to grab them avoid chasing them or going from the top. Quickly corner one and grab it from the side. Only do it if necessary. I also avoid force snuggling.

My previously terrified ducks come when I call, eat from my hands, and enjoy sitting next to me. They don't like to be touched, but I respect that. I have a cat to snuggle with.

 

[Everose]

I tried taming my ducks when they were two weeks old, I would hold them in my lap two at a time (being removed from their friends entirely will terrify them) and eventually they didn't freak out so much. After a month or two they decided they didn't want anything to do with me, my drake Sir William Wallace Braveheart was still sweet and would come eat out of my hands all the time but after a predator got him the other ducks wouldn't be within ten feet of me. I am hatching silver appleyards at the moment and will probably spend a few of their first hours in the brooder just talking to them and touching them (but not scaring them). I think the most important thing is to just understand that they will choose to like you in their own time in their own way. They won't imprint at this point but that doesn't mean they won't be friends with you.