My Duckling is kind of a D***kling

[danlittleann]

I have a Mallard baby, he is about 2 weeks old. His brother was imprinted on me before he passed away but JR. has always hated us with his constant biting and fleeing. We handle him pretty often and give him nothing less than our older ducks who are heavily imprinted on us get. So why is he always like this and will it ever change? Maybe with age? We've had him since he was a day old.

 

[two j farm]

I'm having the same problem with two mallard ducks 8 weeks old. Hope someone can answer your question because I would love to know too!

 

[Amiga]

Sounds like he's fearful. @sourland - do you have any suggestions?

You may want to back off on the handling - but still spend time near him, offering treats. Some ducklings go through a phase where they are terrified of anything big, of being cornered, of having someone suddenly show up in their field of view with no warning.

They can get through this. My entire Runner flock did. But it took time and loads of patience and some effort on my part to remember to speak before coming around the corner, not to loom over them, to approach the brooder low, and so forth.

Treats really help. Make sure to read the sticky on treats.