My ducks don't like me!!

[michelle89]

A little over a week ago I brought home two ducklings. Set them up in their box and proceeded to play momma duck! They are terrified of me, when I reach down to change their water or feed them they become frantic and huddle in the corner. I talk to them, pet them, even put them in my lap and they still don't like me! People have said give them time, they'll come around. Any ideas? Favorite food that I could bribe them with? Ha ha!!

 

[featherfinder]

Peas! All duckies love their peas! Just make sure to mash them up since they are so young still.

 

[Stormy Autumn]

I got my ducks at 3 weeks old, and they acted the same way. They never really warmed up to me as far as being super-gentle or anything like that. They're grown now, and even though they don't like being petted or handled, they LOVE it when I'm out in the yard with them. They follow me around, and if I leave them alone they throw a fit. The ducks DO love you, just don't expect too much from them.

Mine will eat from my hand, and I bet yours will too. Try some vegetables like lettuce, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

 

[AnaD]

Ducks are not really the touchy feely type. Infact my ducks don't like my hands at all. They follow me everywhere and cry when I leave, but if I try to pick them up they flip out. Oddly they don't mind if I pet them with my feet

I don't spend any time trying to get them to let me hold and pet them, but I do spend a lot of time with them in the backyard where I have many things to do. When I sit down they scoot right up to me and sit. Once in a while my little runner will crawl into my lap.

Today I had to pick up my KC boys because they are going to go to a new home and had to be penned. I sure did cuddle and pet them as much as I could since I never hold them. They didn't complain, but they were VERY happy to get down.

Shortly after I got chicks and ducks I realized they are not cats or dogs who like to be cuddled and petted and I was okay with that. I enjoy watching them and talking to them while they follow me around, but I don't ask for more since they don't want to give me more. It is a relationship that is comfortable for all of us.

 

[featherfinder]

Cute little ducklings you have there AnaD.

I got my 2 when they were about a week old and they are fine with me. They love to be held and petted and cuddled. They are indoor ducks so they have diapers and if they are out they will come over to the couch if that is where i am and demand to be put up there with me and then cuddle next to or on top of me and fall asleep or want attention.

I hear alot of mixed stories about people and their ducks but I think it is all in how young they are when you try to bond with them and how much time you actually have to give them with the constant attention. Ducks do love their greens so if you are trying to bribe them give them some mashed veggies like the bags of frozen veggie you can buy with peas, carrots, corn... just mash it up and put it in your hand and try to see if they will come close to you or eat it out of your hand.

Best wishes! And good luck!!

Edited to say make sure you thaw out the veggies first to lol.

 

[MysticalMom]

Wouldn't you be a little scared if you were only 5 inches tall and a big ole giant person with these giant hands was bearing down on you?

Don't worry, you are not alone. Ducks aren't pick up and cuddle, love you, kinds of animals. I have a flock of more than 2 dozen, most raised and brooded by me and unless they see I have peas or other treats for them, they want little to do with me. I have a few that will eat out of my hand. But thats only because they're greedy, not because they particularly want to be near me.

My muscovy are friendlier, more personable and a few will let me pet them. They are usually around my feet when I'm out there, but they're really only interested in me to check me out, see if I have more food , maybe tug on my pants leg if I don't, and then go back to doing their own thing.

And it's funny.... while they would ALL really rather I didn't mess with them too much, they know I mean safety. So when something startles or scares them them, they always run to me to keep them safe.

 

[michelle89]

I got some peas at the grocery store and hurried home to feed them to my ducks, they loved them!! The one who wont come near me ate them out of my hand! Thanks for all the advice, you are so right their not a kitten or a puppy who loves to be handled and petted. I know they do know who I am, they chatter alot more when I come into the garage. I can't wait for them to get bigger and then they can hang out in my yard and help me with slug patrol!!

 

[Big Dreamer]

I have come to accept that my ducks dont like to be held/petted except BigMomma who likes to be petted. I have learned to just kinda sit back and admire them and every once and a while I'll pet BigMomma and let HIM sit on my chest..he likes that!