New pets-4month old pekins-Very skiddish, run from me. Need advice please!

[BeepCheep88]

I just bought two four month old pekin from a woman who hatched and raised them, but they are skiddish and run from me. They panic when I try to pick them up or pet them or even offer food from my hand or a dish I put in front of them. I have raised ducks before and mine were very friendly to people, and they were very loving towards me. Of course they had imprinted on me but they were comfortable around other humans too. So I am wondering why these new ducks are so scared of people, and wondering how I can get them to warm up to me and become affectionate? Advice greatly appreciated!!

 

[Pyxis]

It's normal for them to be skittish and nervous in a new home. They may need some time to settle in.

Also, it's very normal for ducks to not like to be picked up. Even my most friendly ducks never want to be picked up. A lot of ducks also don't like to be petted either.

My tip would be to bribe them. What I mean is, take a really delicious treat like mealworms out with you each time you go see them. If they won't eat from your hand, toss them on the ground at the distance they are comfortable with being from you. Each time, toss them a little closer until they are right at your feet. Then, you can try feeding them from your hand. Hopefully you can win them over this way.

 

[BeepCheep88]

It's normal for them to be skittish and nervous in a new home. They may need some time to settle in.

Also, it's very normal for ducks to not like to be picked up. Even my most friendly ducks never want to be picked up. A lot of ducks also don't like to be petted either.

My tip would be to bribe them. What I mean is, take a really delicious treat like mealworms out with you each time you go see them. If they won't eat from your hand, toss them on the ground at the distance they are comfortable with being from you. Each time, toss them a little closer until they are right at your feet. Then, you can try feeding them from your hand. Hopefully you can win them over this way.

 

[BeepCheep88]

Thanks for the advice! I will try the meal worms. I guess I just expected them to be a little more comfortable with people in general, since they were raised by a woman and her family...and since the ducks I raised liked to sit in my lap, eat from my hand, etc. I will be patient with these and let them adjust.