Newbie needs help with skittish ducklings

[Fowl Engineer]

Hi folks, good to be hear. I just flew in from the coast and boy are my arms tired....(sorry about that, couldn't resist).

Appreciate any advice you can offer here:

I'm a veteran with chickens and decided to try a few ducks for the first time this year. My 3 duckins are 2 weeks old today and, although they are adorable and healthy, they are quite skittish and do NOT like to be held and scoot away. My kids and I have tried to hold them/imprint every day from Day 1 to get them use to us, but no luck. Got a mallard, rouen and pekin. The main reason I got them is that from what I read they are supposed to be more friendly, pet-like than chickens, but I'm finding the opposite. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[kinnip]

I have Khakis. They're divas. You can't walk by without them raising hell. They act like they don't want attention, but they sure go to lengths to make sure they get it. They've never liked to be held, so I don't and we're all happy.

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

Most ducks just dont like to be help or even touched...They like you to pay attention to them on their own terms...My babies scream their heads off every time I leave..But all they want me to do is be around them as long as it doesnt involve me holding them...I can pet their head or breast but when you reach for they back they take off,,,,,

 

[headred]

Mine never liked being held but at 9 weeks they sure like to be around me. They know I will give them worms and like to eat out of my hand. That might be all you can hope for.

 

[gwennym]

My 4 "freaky beaks" as I call them (2 Pekins, 2 "mutt" goslings) don't like to be touched, picked up, etc. I kinda hoped that holding them or at least petting them would make them a bit more friendly than the normal barnyard geese and ducks, but alas .... they like me when I bring 'em greens, but that's about it.

Gwen