MY DUCKS ARE TERRIFIED OF ME!

[DuckyBoi22]

I try to feed them and they run I go near them they run! What can I do?

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello and welcome to BYC! (even though this isn't your first thread)
You could try giving them treats.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How old are they?

Mine were terrified for 4 entire months. Once they started laying and I had everything on a super consistent schedule they calmed down a ton.
I don't expect mine to want touched but it is nice when they stop trying to kill themselves in a mad panic running away.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I would suggest treats every time you go by them so they associate you with good things. It also helps to spend time with them. Sit by them and read a book or play on your phone, they will relax in time.

 

[Ron in Sebring]

Sitting down in the dirt or grass with them with some treats at first works best for me...even my flighty, pain in the neck leghorns will come to me when I do that! But for ducks, me sitting with them got them used to me and not perceiving me as a threat fairly quick. You’re not so scary and tall compared to them that way.

 

[azure_]

Did you get them as ducklings? Hold them often and act gentle no soden movements. Give them as many treats as possible if you can

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

My runners were over a year when we got them, they have settled down but still wont eat from our hands . They do follow me into the house at chow time. And linger close but out of reach All the rest of the time. Its a huge step from cowering in the corner or running away.

 

[DuckyBoi22]

I would suggest treats every time you go by them so they associate you with good things. It also helps to spend time with them. Sit by them and read a book or play on your phone, they will relax in time.

Thanks where can I buy treats all I have is Chick food the breeder gave to me

 

[Maddog_photog]

I raised my entire flock while wearing a baseball cap, now my ducks are terrified of me if I am not wearing it. If I have the hat on, they run right up to me with tails wagging expecting peas. If not, I wonder for a split second the reason they’re so terrified then it hits me “ah the cap”

 

[LT71689]

Thanks where can I buy treats all I have is Chick food the breeder gave to me

how old are they? If they're under 4 weeks you should probably hold off on the treat overload, they're growing a LOT in their first 4 weeks and really need their diet to consist of proper duck food instead of filling up on treats. You can do a LITTLE bit of treats under 4 weeks, but you need to mash whatever it is up for them - bananas or scrambled eggs, mashed potato, plain yogurt.

Once they're older they can have most fruits and veggies, start by cutting them up small (like quartering a grape) until theyve reached their full adult size.

Treats should still be only about 10% of their diet - they're TREATS afterall.

When you give them treats make sure they have access to the appropriate sized grit.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/


As for making them like you - understand that ducks are prey animals, with a very strong instinct to fear basically everything bigger faster or louder than them. Even ducks that *know* you for years can be easily startled by you if you act like a predator (which is to say if you act completely normal)

Try not to move quickly or stomp around, try not to loom over them. If you want to get down on their level try to squat straight down instead of bending overtop them. Get on the ground with them as low as you can and just be with them for a while every day. If you need to catch them, very slowly and calmly back them into a corner where you can crouch down and pick them up, dont chase them from overhead. When you do reach out to them, try to keep your hands and arms low and come at them from below instead of overtop.

And know that ducks go through a moody teenager phase where they just dont wanna be bothered. They'll come back around with time and patience.