how do you hold a duck correctly?

[RavenClawPekin6]

I've got 2 khaki campbells and they always run away if they see me. I do tend to pick them up and put them on my lap but is it that they don't like me because I'm hurting them when I pick them up? If so, how would you hold them? {it might be something else, but this is my theory}. Thanks.

 

[Smurfbrew]

I've got 2 khaki campbells and they always run away if they see me. I do tend to pick them up and put them on my lap but is it that they don't like me because I'm hurting them when I pick them up? If so, how would you hold them? {it might be something else, but this is my theory}. Thanks.

That's a good question! I think I saw something, maybe on the Metzer's Farm website, about cradling them in one arm, but I've never gotten it to work. Most ducks just don't like to be picked up, so I doubt it's anything that you are doing. They aren't snuggly like cats and dogs, although there are some exceptions. Slow movements and soft words work really well for getting them used to being close to you, but unless they really bonded to you when they were babies, you probably won't have lap ducks.

Treats also work wonders too. Sit on the ground on their level and give them treats. It takes time and patience, but they will come around.

 

[RavenClawPekin6]

Thanks soooooooo much, Smurfbrew! I'll definately keep that in mind when I'm putting them to bed at around 20:15 and see how it goes!
Wish me luck!

 

[nocluckinwayy]

I sing to my ducklings and it seems to be making a real impact on them warming up to me and becoming less tense around me. Only had them for about two weeks now. Still neither of them enjoy being picked up.
I know this sounds kinda silly, but they seem to be less tense when I make quaking noises ,too...haha...hope this helps.

 

[chickens galore]

i could do with tips in getting 2 new duck in to there house at night im out til gone 11pm chasing them round with a fishing net lol tried treats but they are having none of it

 

[Ravynscroft]

Nope, ducks generally don't like being picked up, but if you do try to make sure you get a hand under their feet and they won't freak out quite as much...

Try sitting on the ground or a low stool and just be near them, let them come to you, bill your feet etc... they'll get more comfortable if you don't grab them at every opportunity...

Use frozen peas to bribe them, too... thaw them out or toss them frozen in the pool and they will go crazy for them... might take them a bit to realize how tasty they are, but once they do you will have them running to you when they see you have them... use one specific container for the peas that they can recognize as the treat bowl... ducks are very big on schedules and keeping things the same...

And if you can't resist touching, put your hand lower than them and try coming up to touch their breast... ducks are more predatory wary than chickens, so anything coming down towards them triggers flight...

Hope this helps and good luck!

Edited cuz I couldn't spell, lol...

 

[fuzziecreatures]

Don't come from above them, rub their chest. My one drake likes that.
If you do need to hold them or carry them for some reason or another I do as follows. Hold the body cradled in the forearm with the breast to the elbow, tuck the head between your arm and chest but allow them to breathe, hold the wings with the other hand against their body and hold their hocks between the fingers of the hand cradling their body. They don't feel like they are falling and can't see, much calmer.

 

[Smurfbrew]

i could do with tips in getting 2 new duck in to there house at night im out til gone 11pm chasing them round with a fishing net lol tried treats but they are having none of it

You can train them to come when called, but it takes persistence. First train them to come when you have treats. Just say something simple, I use "duck, duck, duck," every time that you give them treats. Do it for several days and at different times until they get it. I use meal worms and shake the bag too. Now when they see that bag they come running.

Next, tie in the treats into going into the house. Use your verbal call to get them close, then show them the treats and toss some into the house. You may just have to herd them in the first few times, but they should get it eventually. Remember, ducks really like routine, so if you can put them to bed around the same time every night they might pick it up faster.

Hope that helps!

 

[Smurfbrew]

Don't come from above them, rub their chest. My one drake likes that.
If you do need to hold them or carry them for some reason or another I do as follows. Hold the body cradled in the forearm with the breast to the elbow, tuck the head between your arm and chest but allow them to breathe, hold the wings with the other hand against their body and hold their hocks between the fingers of the hand cradling their body. They don't feel like they are falling and can't see, much calmer.

Yes, I think that's what I had seen somewhere. Thanks fuzziecreatures! I will have to try this.

 

[chickens galore]

Thanks so much will try that fingers crossed