My ducklings run the opposite way

[LisaMarieLMK]

I’ve seen lots of videos and photos of people holding their ducklings, hand feeding them, walking around with their ducklings just following right along. I’m so jealous. My 4 week old ducklings run in the opposite direction like I’m the scariest thing they’ve ever seen. Ever since we got them, when they were just a few days old, I’ve tried to pet them, pick them up to hold them, and just spent time hanging out around them so that they will get used to me.....but nothing gives. As long as I keep my distance they’re fine, but as soon as I get within a few feet away of them, they dart and run towards the furthest corner they can find. When I pick them up, they squeal and fidget and carry on and yell for the other. What am I doing wrong? I just want them to like me. Can we be friends?!? LOL

 

[Texag87]

They go through a stage where you are considered an ax murderer for a few weeks starting at nearly three weeks old. Ours current brood is almost three weeks and will eat out of your hand as long as there is a barrier between Your body and them. Duck crack aka mealworms help.

 

[JBG acres]

I don't have answers for you really but I thought maybe it would help to know that you are not alone. Mine are the exact same way. We got them into their bigger duck house outside and working on getting netting over their run so they can be outside outside more. I'm hoping that if I spend some time out there with them once that happens where maybe they won't feel so trapped that they will be willing to get to know me. Best of luck with your ducklings. I'm sure someone will have some great answers and advice for you soon.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Are you approaching them from above ? Poultry are programmed to fear being grabbed from above because as prey animals many of their attacks come from the air. Can you access their brooder on their level or from the side. Forcing them to be held only reinforces this fear. Use feed/treats to entice them to come to you.

 

[LisaMarieLMK]

I bend down to their level when they’re on the ground. Their duck house is up on a platform which puts them about chest level when I approach them.

 

[MallardMomx2]

What breed of ducklings do you have? Some breeds are calmer than others. My mallards especially love attention and have since hatch day! (Though I spent literally hours a day holding them as ducklings, that could have something to do with it)

 

[LisaMarieLMK]

Pretty sure they are Rouens because they have two lines on there face, as Mallards only have one, but not 100% sure.

 

[MallardMomx2]

Pretty sure they are Rouens because they have two lines on there face, as Mallards only have one, but not 100% sure.

Hmm, I’ve heard rouens are generally pretty calm. It could just be their stubborn “teenage stage” I’m sure they’ll come around.
I might be able to help tell if they’re rouens if I see a pic also, if they were mallards and were bought at a store/hatchery, they should have their right hind toenail docked.

 

[LisaMarieLMK]

Blurry picture but they have their toenail.

 

[LisaMarieLMK]

This was taken today.