New to ducks... Runners management questions.

[poularde]

So, I hatched my first ducklings. I had a great hatch and ended up with 10 ducklings. I raised them in the house in the bathtub until I could not stand the mess anymore. I handled them as much as my chicks and they were always excited for food and fresh water. They are about 5 weeks old now. I just put them in a good sized pen. They are terrified of me. I can not get them to take treats and they always run to the furthest corner from me. It always worries me because they run at breakneck speed and will smash each other in the corner. Not sure how to make this better. I do not expect them to be cuddly, but I really do not want them to injure themselves just because I get to close.

I have been looking through some of the duck threads and I read that you can start sexing them by the females quacking and the boys whispering. Should I be able to tell at this age? I am a little worried since I have only head 2 of the 10 ducklings quack. I imagine you can only keep a few drakes with the girls like chickens. When will I start having problems having so many drakes? I love having a large group of them. They are always moving together. Hate to split them up. Not sure what I will do with the extra drakes.

Well I guess I now am part of the duck world. I guess it is never easy. I do enjoy their hilarious antics. I just wish the would behave normally when I am near.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So, I hatched my first ducklings. I had a great hatch and ended up with 10 ducklings. I raised them in the house in the bathtub until I could not stand the mess anymore. I handled them as much as my chicks and they were always excited for food and fresh water. They are about 5 weeks old now. I just put them in a good sized pen. They are terrified of me. I can not get them to take treats and they always run to the furthest corner from me. It always worries me because they run at breakneck speed and will smash each other in the corner. Not sure how to make this better. I do not expect them to be cuddly, but I really do not want them to injure themselves just because I get to close.

I have been looking through some of the duck threads and I read that you can start sexing them by the females quacking and the boys whispering. Should I be able to tell at this age? I am a little worried since I have only head 2 of the 10 ducklings quack. I imagine you can only keep a few drakes with the girls like chickens. When will I start having problems having so many drakes? I love having a large group of them. They are always moving together. Hate to split them up. Not sure what I will do with the extra drakes.

Well I guess I now am part of the duck world. I guess it is never easy. I do enjoy their hilarious antics. I just wish the would behave normally when I am near.

Do you go out and just sit close by? Sometimes it just takes alot of sitting quietly and it doesn't hurt to have dried meal worms or peas handy and just toss a few in their direction, just talking or singing quietly to them but not moving much. Congrats on such a great hatch. The ratio for ducks to drakes is 3-4 ducks to a drake, more is better. That way the girls don't get so roughed up when breeding. you should be able to start hearing voices within the next couple 3 weeks and girls will deff quack louder and boys will sound like they have a cold when they quack it will be raspy and low. Good luck and enjoy your ducklings. And maybe some pics when you get a chance.