How to socialize inseparable ducklings?

[mypoorducky]

Hello! Recently, I had gotten 2 new ducklings, and while they were still adjusting to home life, I noticed they weren't quite as sociable as my first. Is there a way I can get them to be more receptive to human interaction? I've also noticed they get very stressed without the other, though I'd like to be able to play with them one at a time.

Also, is there a way I can get them to calm down when they're on their own? I do intend to keep them together most of the time, however they get very loud and noisy when I take out just one of them. I've also noticed it's easier to handle them when I only have to handle one at a time.

 

[ruthhope]

Your ducklings will be healthier and happier if you let them grow up with each other. We have three Pekins that we raised from day old and that didn't like to be handled or separated when they were brooder age. They were always calm in each other's presence and still do things in threes. But as they got older, they each began to associate us with food. If we sat down at their height, they started coming up and chewing our shoes and eating treats [defrosted peas] from out of our hands. They are mature ducks now. The drake is the only one of the three that doesn't get stressed by being picked up, but both the females come and climb over us and sit by us, accepting being petted, when we spend time with them. We only pick them up when essential so as not to stress them.

For your ducks to bond with you, just spend a lot of time with them and hand feed them frequently. Don't stress them -- so don't separate them by picking up one at a time. Try picking them up both together while they are small, and having both sitting together on your lap. Avoid picking one up and stressing it as that will cause your ducks to associate stress and you.

 

[CoriM]

Totally agree with post above - don't stress them by handling them one-on-one, especially since you only have two. Ducks don't want to be alone, ever! You can sit on the floor and handle them together, if you're worried about dropping. As they get bigger they're harder to handle and they enjoy it less. You want to do what's best for your ducklings. Like mentioned above, they will always adore you for treats, and if you spend lots of time around you they'll be comfortable with you and trust you - and that's precious.

Here's my ducklings from a few weeks ago - they don't all fit on my lap anymore!

 

[mypoorducky]

Thank you all for the advice! I've realized that perhaps my fears of them imprinting on each other rather than me were a bit unfounded, so I'll definitely make sure to keep them together, and giving them more positive interactions.