How to train ducks not to attack and bite

[jennytg3]

Sounds like a lot of us have the same problem. I'll try this in earnest and let you know the results, and if you all could do the same, it would be super helpful info to have! I'm happy to have a tip to try, as I was getting worried I was going to have to get rid of them, they were being so bad.

And yes, my duck's bites hurt - they didn't use to but now that they're more aggressive they latch on to any available skin and pull and twist, leaving really red marks.

 

[katharinad]

There is no real time rule, but it does not seem to work if you do it only for a minute. So I say 5 minutes, but I don't have any studies or anything like it on the time frame. 3 minutes may work too. So do what works for you. You want him in the position of a female when being mounted. That means flatten out his neck to the ground while you have him between your legs and use the other hand to hold him down. Don't let anyone take a picture of you doing it or you may be labeled a sex offender.

Just kidding, but you know it would leave strange faces and questions if someone sees it. You just have to turn into the alpha duck and not the food provider. Shame on them for even biting you in the first place. Ducks are smart and they usually catch on fast.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Stick them in the crockpot & tell them, the next time they get outa line......

 

[maggiemmm]

OMG this is so funny!!!Katherinad - you are so knowledgeable really appreciate all of your input . My "Flipper" does not hurt but can sure latch on to my pant leg. I went in tonight with the pitchfork ( I turn over the straw to allow them to get the bugs & worms as a treat) He did not as much as LOOK at me ! The pitchfork was all he wanted to see.

Little Darkwing peeped and I threw the biggest worms to her. I actually was tempted to get a pith helmet for Flipper and a bazooka -- AKA Pearls before swine comic strip ... He has an attack duck in that ... But I am going to try the "method" tomorrow. If I wear shorts - no problem ... I have old ugly legs ..maybe that is it

I am going to clip wings tho' the next molt. I am tired of not letting them forage. After Flier took off I have been shy of allowing them out of the enclosed area. Because we live on an 18 mile long lake - I will never see them again if they can see the lake. The back woods need them to clean up the bugs. Thanks you again for all of your help !! Hugs!

 

[katharinad]

My current boy has not tried the bitting thing with me yet. I wonder if he ever will. He has 8 girls and they keep him busy. He is only 5 1/2 month old, so it still can happen. One of the girls thought she can snap me. I smacked her right onto her bill the first time she tried and she has never tried it again. I guess she didn't like that. I was willing to mount her if I need too. The girls also have the dominance thing going, so I need to keep my position in place. Man does that sound sick or what when we have to lower ourselves to a ducks level.

 

[maggiemmm]

HA! HA! HA! Old Freud would have a field day wouldn't he ? Anything that works will be a true benefit to duckie owners

Am actually looking at some Indian Runner females on Sunday.. IF they are females I will bring them home.. I have decided to clip the Muskovy's wings. Living on the lake it is so tempting for them to just leave for the next flock flying to Florida. ( They have heard about Northern Michigan Winters ) Never had a problem with the Indian Runners... I need to fence in the artesian well so they have a pond all Winter. If they cannot fly.. their own SPA may make a difference

But I DO need at least 2 more females .. Poor little Darkwing is stuck with Flipper . I would like to give her a bit of a respite

 

[TomNY]

Bell's Poultry Seasoning in the stuffing has a very calming effect. Tom

 

[maggiemmm]

HA! HA! HA! HA!

I will tell Flipper that he is going t be delicious if he does NOT stop beaking me!!!

 

[lovesduckies]

i cleaned pools today and my drake was biting my dad. that's what he gets for teasing Duckie. then when i came out he came after me and i got him to calm down before i had to mount him. then soon after that he followed me to our chair and sat in my lap for a good half hour.

 

[Gloria]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I knew someone at BYC would have the same problem. I'm off to sit on my drake now. I hope no one is looking! LOL!!