need some duck help

[Silvia2234]

I need some advice with my ducks. All of them (exept Lady) run away from me whenever I come near. The only time when when I can even get close to Sir. Drake when he is freeranging is when he's mating. It's a stuggle to catch them. I cannot hand feed them while they free range. They run away. These ducks are very skiddish and I don't know why. I've tried holding them all the time and that isn't working. I need to do something about this. I don't want birds that are terrified of me. All I want is to have ducks that will cuddle up to me.

 

[Silvia2234]

Lady and Sir. Drake- pied muscovy pair
Marlyn and Mocha- black muscovy pair

 

[mlh328]

I think if you start of slow giving treats- mine are big pea fans. Maybe try tossing some out in front of you, see if they'll come for them. Then slowly work them in until they are willing to come closer. Don't try to touch them yet. Keep at it until they eat the treat out of a container you are holding, I use a coffee mug. Then your hand. I don't know that they will ever cuddle, mine don't. But they do let me pet them and one comes up to me for attention. I don't pick them up because it freaks them out. Keep at it, I fully believe in bribes! Good luck!

 

[chickens really]

Yes, the harder you try to get them to like you, the longer it will take...Do not pick them up anymore....When they see you coming they run.......Ducks are smart and they don't want you holding them...Try tossing out treats as you sit in a lawn chair with them waddling around...Quack to them and be slow....I have a rescue Hen that was terrified of me..It only took about 5 days for her to see I am her friend...She now knocks on the back door with the others if I go into the house....Be patient, they will relax around you....


Best wishes...


Cheers!

 

[QuackSpeak]

http://www.raising-ducks.com/how-to-taming-a-duck/

Here's an article that I find pretty good. Don't do steps that your ducks aren't comfortable with, and take it very slow. Best of wishes!