New duckling is terrified of me, what to do??

[Karmy]

I just bought a Pekin duckling today it is 2 weeks old. I bought it as a pet and I've always heard that its better if you buy them in pairs but I was afraid that if I got two they'd shy away from humans and be more dependent on each other which defeats the purpose of having them as pets. My duck is completely terrified of me and its all lonely in its pen and I feel bad. Should I stick it out until the duckling learns to trust me? will it ever trust me? Or should I go back tomorrow and get another one?

 

[Amykins]

At 2 weeks I'm guessing that it's already bonded with other ducks, and therefore it will be impossible to have it "re-imprint" on you. Unless it was hatched alone and had nothing but human interaction, it's sadly not the best idea to keep it alone its whole life.

However, you can do things to make it like you more. There's one magical, wonderful word: PEAS! Peas are like ducky crack, they will do anything for them! If you bring peas with you, it will start to associate you with treats after some time.

 

[Karmy]

thanks for your advice, I got another duck and they the duck was MUCH happier with its playmate. You were right about the peas though, they love them!

 

[Amykins]

Yay! <3