How To Gain Duck Affection

[Backyard Mini Flock]

I have One Male 5 month old Magpie Duck and I don't know how to gain his affection. I have been working on gaining his affection aswell as his sister's affection who is also a Duck (Unknown Breed) since they were a couple of days old but I don't feel as I've made much progress. Sometimes the male magpie allows me to hand feed him which is great but he doesn't let me touch him and seems afraid of me at most, on the other hand his sister doesn't let me get anywhere near her. And it's not just me the ducks are skittish with anyone who goes into the coop, they seem to be loving and enjoying there life, but they dont seem to love me. What should I Do?

 

[sourland]

Food/treats are generally the best motivator. Allow them to come to you. Forcing yourself on them only feeds their fear as prey animals. They are in their teenaged phase where ducks tend to become more fearful. As they mature, hopefully they will become more friendly.

 

[KathiQuacks]

You must remember that ducks are prey animals, and we are large creatures. Naturally, they’re going to be against us trying to approach and touch them. They can still learn to be affectionate, it just won’t be on the same level as other animals.

My ducks are very friendly for duck standards; They come when called, follow me, eat from my hand, etc. They are perfectly comfortable with me being in their area, but if I get too close or try to reach out, they move away. It doesn’t mean they don’t love me; It’s just how they are.

I agree with using food as a motivator and allowing them to come to you.

 

[Quatie]

It just takes time. Some ducks may never eat out of your hand or want to be held or touched, but they will show you trust in other ways. I can walk by most of my ducks without them really caring.

Start with just spending more time in the same area as them just to get them use to you. Offering treats also can a ways to help them learn you bring them good things. Once they get use to you and are willing to get near you, hand feeding their normal feed can be very helpful improving the relationship. It works best in the morning or if you them a couple times a day.

Otherwise, just give it time.

 

[Foul Mouth Farm]

Hi I don’t know if you’re still in need of advice or not but, frozen thawed peas are your best friend.
Start by tossing a small amount near you and gradually toss them closer and closer until they are just sitting in your hand.
I currently have 2 ducks at that awkward teen stage. They were afraid of their own shadow but a week and half later, will eat from my hand. I still can’t touch them, but it is progress none the less!! Good luck !!