New Duck Owner - Introducing Quacker, Beaker, Waddles and Pecker

[Diamond88]

Beautiful ducklings! I can't really add much in addition to what the experts above me have said. All I'll say is, yes, if you want them to "love" you, at least as much as ducks have the capacity to love, handle them regularly. For people who keep ducks as livestock or ornaments, handling them is unnecessary and even problematic. But you expressed that you want them to be pets, so handle them all the time and get them used to you. Keep in mind, though, that even pet ducks probably won't want to cuddle. Some do, but it's very rare. I have an imprinted pet duck who lives inside with me, and she still doesn't like to be held. She'll tolerate it if she has to, but she still puts up a fuss. That doesn't mean she's not a good pet, though! I hope you have a wonderful time bonding with your new ducks. They're messy and smelly, but they're worth it!

 

[Diamond88]

Oh, and as for the dog issue, I'd say just be very, very careful and monitor all interactions between dogs and ducks for a while. There was a period of time when my duck and I had to move in with my parents, for about six months, and my parents had a young golden retriever. When the dog first saw my duck, he totally wanted to chomp on her. He didn't necessarily want to eat her, but he definitely wanted to play "steal the duckling," so to speak. He was a maniac and it was very difficult to control him around her. Fast forward about a month, and everything between the two pets was fine. He'd sniff her, and sometimes he'd chase her a little, but he never made any attempt to grab her or hurt her in any way. So, just be very careful and monitor their interactions. Some dogs can be trusted with ducks over time, while others can't. You'll have to see for yourself, in this case.