How to Get Your Ducks to Like You/Not be Afraid of You

[thumper650]

If you can't touch them without moving slowly, don't.

For those that stepped away when I tried to pet them, what I did was I tried to steal a pet when I was feeding them (and holding their food bowl). Either they then associated the petting with food, or they just learned that being pet was not gonna kill them, but it gradually became easier to pet those more skittish ones.

Once they're comfortable with being pet on the front, try the sides, then try petting the side while circling your arm above their backs, then the next step is to hug them. Once I can hug them I consider them 'reformed'. I don't try holding them tightly or picking them up. Even young imprinted ducklings don't like that.

My pekins allow me to touch their fronts for peas, we did it every night for months. I say “peas for pats”
They tolerate my touching their fronts but I don’t think they really enjoy it. My runners will eat from my hand, and they all seem ok with me touching their beaks, so I do that a lot, like a high five.

 

[Texag87]

Our runner enjoys having the top of his head petted for a short time. Then he has to get back to guarding his hens or inviting them in the pool.

 

[DuckyDonna]

@WannaBeHillBilly , I hope you always remember to put your pants on when feeding Blanca.