New babies, help bonding

[Miss Lydia]

I don’t think many ducks like to be picked up, being prey it’s scary to them. But I agree on letting them warm up to you by just sitting close even if your on you phone or reading your presence can make them feel secure. Have they found their food and water?

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

I don’t think many ducks like to be picked up, being prey it’s scary to them. But I agree on letting them warm up to you by just sitting close even if your on you phone or reading your presence can make them feel secure. Have they found their food and water?

Oh yes, they didn't waste any time finding their food and water. It's where they like so spend most of their time now!

 

[RichL]

As long as they can get to their water when eating they will go to it when they need it. They will run back and forth from treats to water and back again. The exercise is very good for them. After they have eaten their fill, put them in your lap to nap. Be sure to be sitting on the floor so they don't fall and get hurt. Wear old sweats or something you don't mind them pooping on. Talk and sing to them whenever you are with them. Find a good book and read to them. Your duckies will forgive you soon. They need to be around you as much as possible over the next few weeks then you will always be mama duck to them. Try meal worms, frozen peas (thawed) grapes cut into strips and other fruits and veggies. Mine don't like strawberries for some reason.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Hello, I just picked up two Call babies on the 26th. They hatched on the 23rd. Yesterday was our first full day with them. As the day went on, they seemed to be warming up. They'd sit at the entrance of the brooder next to me and peep when I was sitting with them. Towards the end of the day, I picked them each up to do a vent sexing and I feel like I totally ruined any progress. Now they are terrified of me.

Did I completely ruin my chances with them? Is there anything I can do? I tried treats but they just run and hide.

I don’t think you ruined anything. Hold them until they completely relax after give them a treat. I can do skin, wing, feet, vent etc. inspections and mine just think it’s affection.
Start slow invest time. I believe developing trust never goes away. Individual personalities (some don’t like being held) plays a part too.
Mine learned quick ~ resistance is futile. I always go slow and gentle. Good luck

 

[bellz15]

Yeah... The assumption that you don't know how to vent sex properly is very helpful and unrelated to your question *eyerolls*
If they survived the vent sex then you aren't a total bafoon.
So I will answer your question, yes that could definitely have stalled progress, but at that young age, they usually aren't traumatized for life.
I would start by finding out their favorite treats. Mealie worms, and watermelon are my babies favorites.
Try hand feeding.
If they run away toss the treats and slowly decrease how far away you toss them.
Eventually they should start eating out of your hand.
Then start pairing treats with touch.
With my ducks I worked with them until they let me pick them up, and I would give them treats only when I held them.
If you are gentle and slow, they should warm up!
However ducks in my experience aren't the most appreciative about being held, so they will be wiggly and unhappy. But I think it's important to teach them in case they ever need handling from being ill.
Remember though, if you want to teach them to be held, only put them down when they stop struggling. If you put them down when they fight, they just learn to fight harder the next time around.

This post was so informative and friendly in comparison to the first (pretty rude) person. I don't even have ducks but I really appreciate users who are willing to help others kindly. I'm also new and have already been made to feel a bit stupid by users with lots of badges and thousands of comments. @WolfGirlMagic thank you for making BYC welcoming for newcomers

EDIT: and to all the others who have since commented on this thread with all your lovely advice

 

[RichL]

Oh, one more thing. I used the same feeder waterer combo and my ducks outgrew it quickly. They can't submerge their heads when they get bigger. If a may suggest a straight sided heavy dish deep enough to dunk the head. It should be tall enough not to be stepped in easily and heavy enough not to be knocked over. The right dish is easy to clean and fill so you are more likely to do it often. I also prefer a small food dish filled 4-5X a day instead of constant access. They will associate you with food and care and there will be less waste. It also allows the crop to empty properly between meals.

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

I'm loving all the feedback and definitely appreciate people giving me a positive outlook. I was already feeling pretty down on myself so the negativity was not helping. I think to rebuild the trust, I'm going to move a little slower with these babies. Once they're back to wanting to be at the front of the brooder near me, I'll see about getting some cuddles in. And TREATS. I never realized that ducks are such food hounds until I started doing some research.

 

[MissChick@dee]

As long as they can get to their water when eating they will go to it when they need it. They will run back and forth from treats to water and back again. The exercise is very good for them. After they have eaten their fill, put them in your lap to nap. Be sure to be sitting on the floor so they don't fall and get hurt. Wear old sweats or something you don't mind them pooping on. Talk and sing to them whenever you are with them. Find a good book and read to them. Your duckies will forgive you soon. They need to be around you as much as possible over the next few weeks then you will always be mama duck to them. Try meal worms, frozen peas (thawed) grapes cut into strips and other fruits and veggies. Mine don't like strawberries for some reason.

 

[CrystalBDonuts]

Oh, one more thing. I used the same feeder waterer combo and my ducks outgrew it quickly. They can't submerge their heads when they get bigger. If a may suggest a straight sided heavy dish deep enough to dunk the head. It should be tall enough not to be stepped in easily and heavy enough not to be knocked over. The right dish is easy to clean and fill so you are more likely to do it often. I also prefer a small food dish filled 4-5X a day instead of constant access. They will associate you with food and care and there will be less waste. It also allows the crop to empty properly between meals.

Yep I can already see that it's not going to last very long. In the next few days I'll probably switch it out for something bigger.

 

[bellz15]

I'm loving all the feedback and definitely appreciate people giving me a positive outlook. I was already feeling pretty down on myself so the negativity was not helping. I think to rebuild the trust, I'm going to move a little slower with these babies. Once they're back to wanting to be at the front of the brooder near me, I'll see about getting some cuddles in. And TREATS. I never realized that ducks are such food hounds until I started doing some research.

Good luck with your little hungry fluffballs !