How long do ducklings follow their mom for?

[pizzaduck]

Hi everyone,

I have two Call ducklings born 7 weeks ago. They are almost fully feathered and are beginning to quack. I’ve really enjoyed having them, I hatched them so they imprinted on me and because of that, we’ve got to do cool things like swimming together and going for picnics.

I’ve been really happy bonding with them, but I want them to live completely outdoors now (they spend the day outside with me and come inside to their pen when the sun sets to sleep next to me) because I want to be able to do something other than sit with my ducks outside. For 7 weeks now I’ve practically been constantly at their side because they cry and cry if I go anywhere. I notice that they poo like crazy when they cry so I figured it stressed them out a lot so I was afraid to leave them alone.

When and how can I move them to their outdoor pen without making them sad? I’m a first time duck owner so I probably was overkill with the whole thing, but I felt like it was my responsibility to make sure they were nothing less than the happiest ducks. But I didn’t know it would last this long and I can’t live on their schedule forever.

Attached is a pic of them today. Thanks for reading

 

[Fishkeeper]

They aren't going to die if you leave. I'd put them out there, give them a bunch of food as a distraction, and then walk away until you can't hear them any more. They'll calm down soon enough.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Like human children they need to learn that their mom (you) will not abandon them and will always come back. This process will need some time, buy one of these treat-balls for them, fill it with duck-crack (meal-worms) and let them play with it. During that time you can leave them alone and see how it works. Give them ¼ Watermelon and let them eat it - you see where this is going: Occupy their minds (with food) so that they don't mind if you leave them alone. Come back when they call for mommy so that they learn they have not been abandoned.