My ducking hates me...

[RileyB]

This past weekend I bought an 8 week old rouen (not sure yet if it's male or female). I bought the duckling as a companion for one of my 5 week old chicks that isn't accepted by the rest of my chicks. The chick and the duckling have become really close already, and get along great. The chick also gets along well with me and likes to be held. But...the duckling hates me. It freaks out if I come anywhere near it, and it's almost impossible to hold it due to the squeaming around and panic of the duckling. I know at 8 weeks that it will be harder for it to get used to me, but does anyone have any suggestions as to how to begin getting the duck to like me more?

 

[newbyduckmom]

I had the same problem with my six ducklings. And still do as adults. They got held quite a bit (at least once or twice a day everyday), and still do at least twice a day, they simply do not like to be held. But as ducklings they did go through a period where they were totally panicked when I got near them. That eventually passed. Cannot remember how old they were exactly when they went through that stage.

 

[QuackedUp]

This was my response to a similar post from another person:
Remember, to them you are still a stranger... STRANGER DANGER! AH! Hehe!
I would go about this similar to the way you would rehabilitate a neglected dog or skittish cat, etc.... Take time out of every day - a couple of hours if possible - just to sit down with them in a confined space... sitting on their level. Do not reach toward them, but instead, let them be the explorers. By not reaching out, you demonstrate that you are not a threat. Human fingers reaching out can often resemble claws, which will make them tense and apprehensive. Just keep doing this same thing every singile day... over and over again... until you are blue in the face. And when you think that you've hit a wall...that is when they will respond. You will learn each others movements and both of you will begin to trust one another. At the point at which the ducklings have begun to pursue you several times as you sit with them, then you can try a finger stroke on one of their breasts, or hand feedings again.
I know this isn't an easy answer, but I have seen it work with animals of various species --- I rehabilitate animals. However, if you just remember that "patience is a virtue" then all of your time spent sitting their in silence just watching and waiting WILL pay off in the end. If you are patient, you may develop a bond with your ducklings that is even closer than some of your other animals. Don't give up! You can do it! *Also, remember that when you sit with them each day in a CONFINED space, be sure to speak to the ducklings. Imitate the noises they make, but also just talk to them. They will learn your voice. Good luck!

 

[Amiga]

Ditto QuackedUp