How to socialize my ducklings?

[USMCwifey]

I want to socialize my ducklings so they aren't afraid of people. I heard you can get them to actually follow you around the yard if you raise them the right way. What's the best way to socialize these little guys so they won't see me or my family as a threat? They are only about 2 days old.

 

[Cuttlefishherder]

Ours we have been handling constantly since we got them, they crawl up us and snuggle behind our ears. They are about 6 days old and we took them swimming in a Pyrex baking dish today(we've had weather too cold to let them swim in or else they would have been in the water the day after we got them XD) Me and my boy friend were watching them and he got up to go inside and they started scrambling around in a panicked fashion, I called him back and we both walked in together and they followed us inside all the way over the door step and in two the house. It is such a special feeling when you have the little fuzzies following you around because your mommy!

 

[USMCwifey]

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Do you hold them or just let them come to you? It's also too cold here for them to go outside so we have them in one of those plastic puppy pens surrounded by cardboard for no draft and pine shavings for bedding. It's about 4x4, so kinda hard to get into it. Should I take them out one at a time and just play with them?

 

[Cuttlefishherder]

Yeah, some thing like that, are you the only one playing with them? We just scooped up the one we were after. Ours are in a huge plastic tub in the living room, so even if they weren't being socialized they would still be friendly. Is there any way to make the pen easier to get in to?

We caught them at first but now they just stand and let the hand pick them up. They know its time to see if they can eat the patterns off of the shirt. Its not that complicated, these are our first ducks ever, they are just to cute to leave alone. Just hold them let them sit in your hand or lap put your finger to the tip of their bill and they might give you little duckling kisses<3

We were afraid we wouldn't know what we were doing because we just spontaneously bought them, we knew we wanted ducks we just didn't know we would have them so soon, but if you have ever held a chick before you realize that when you hold a duckling, your holding a much more intelligent creature. They learn as fast as they grow!

So just hold them and snuggle them and let them snuggle on you(Let them run where they want on you). Talk to them, say their names(If they have names), I think ours are beginning to learn their names. Dont worry about doing any thing wrong. They will imprint on you on their own with the proper care and snuggles

 

[duckyfromoz]

When you walk to the brooder- approach low. If they see something coming at them from a great hight- their instincts will tell them you are a predator. Ducklings in larger groups will bond with each other as much as humans- and sometimes more- so handling them often is important. Having the brooder where you are also a good idea. The more they see you the better. Food is a good way to get them to associate you with good times. Start putting food on your hands for them to eat now- so they get used to it and will still be happy to eat from your hands when older. Also never chase after them. Slowly herd them - but dont make them run. These are all things I do with mine to keep them quieter. Hope some of the ideas work for you too.

 

[DurhamDuck]

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Great advice!

 

[USMCwifey]

Thanks so much!

I'm gonna bring a kiddie pool into the living room and fill it with some wood shavings. Than I can take a few out at a time or all and let them chill in the living room with me! >.< Our house is set to 70 degrees always so they should be comfy for that time being. I can't wait till they start "liking" us!

 

[chickensval]

I'm having the same struggles. >.< good luck to you.

 

[Going Quackers]

How many? small amounts as said much easier to tame, i have a few in my house right now(don't ask!) so they are pretty tame in comparison to the farm ducks which are raised outside in a big flock.

Food is a terrific friend maker, i have my 2 Muscovy, 2 buffs eating out of my hand actually try to eat my hand

right along with the romaine i had brought them. Ducks are prey animals and that instinct is strong, generally speaking the youngest ducks with the most contact with people are the most friendly, that said you do have to watch, especially with drakes, you don't want them thinking you are a member of the flock and try to dominate you, small cuddly ducklings turn into quite a handful when mature so boundaries do need to be there, they will never be cats or dogs, it's a different relationship type.

 

[chickensval]

I just bought two. They are not so friendly.