Questions about duckies

[umblah21]

Hi everyone. I have 2 Peking ducklings that I believe are 2 1/2 -3 weeks old (they weigh 15 oz's so if some one knows, please let me know. Can't find a growth chart.) I have had them for 13 days.

We originally had 6 ducklings but 4 of them went to live on a farm.

We originally only wanted 1 or 2 but we had all 6 together for 11 days before splitting them. The split was 2 days ago.

I am hoping to bond with my 2 duckies. I spoil them, feed them treats, let them swim in the tub and cuddle them daily.

The 2 that we have left freak out if they can't see each other and they are quite skiddish.

Have I passed the point of imprinting?

Any info is greatly appreciated

Elisabeth

 

[Amiga]

Imprinting is a very technical term, if I understand correctly, and takes place for a short period of time very early on (if I remember right). But there is still time to develop a good relationship with them. I will say that at about that age, they will go through a very skittish phase. it's like their fear of the unknown kicks in.

Be patient, spend time with them, give them some treats (as long as you give them a tiny bit of chick grit for a few days before you start treats). I still sing to my ducks, and talk to them nonstop when I am around them.

 

[umblah21]

Thank you Amiga. I am kind of sad. I have made such an effort trying to make them happy and comfortable. My duckie, Gertrud, is mellow and like to sit with me but my daughter's duckie, Tweetheart, is super skiddish and like ahhhhhhh all the time. Now Gerdy is getting skiddish too.

I am just sad that they don't come to me or follow me at all.

I have a pet duck, Ducky, when I was a kid and he slept with me, followed me, and we loved each other so much. I was hoping to give that another go but it doesn't seem to be working out.

Thanks---Elisabeth

 

[Amiga]

Elisabeth, some ducks just need more time. I think you are slipping into despair way too early. It took a while (weeks) for it to happen, but my Runners are the friendliest, sweetest flock of ducks! I even have a few huggers! Even the ones who don't like to hug stay close to me, watch me, talk to me . . . . it's beautiful. And it took some time and some trust.

 

[Orca5094]

Yes, don't despair! Just keep on spending as much time as possible with them, even if it's just sitting next to their brooder talking to them and handing them treats every so often. Also, how old is your daughter? Could she be moving too quickly or making unexpected noises that scare the ducklings? You have to move very slowly and be very gentle and mellow around them for them to feel secure. Ducks are skittish creatures by nature, so as long as you act the same all the time and not do unexpected things around them, they should warm up to you. And of course the treats always help as well.

Edited to add: Most ducks also do not like to be handled, so you can try gaining their trust back some more first before handling them too much.

 

[LauraHope]

When I'm not around my single ducking freaks out and starts wailing his vioce box and running slipping around.

She's getting a bit more skiddish at 8 days old, but only a bit. It's a phase I think. But your situations totaly different

 

[Miss Lydia]

When I'm not around my single ducking freaks out and starts wailing his vioce box and running slipping around.

She's getting a bit more skiddish at 8 days old, but only a bit. It's a phase I think. But your situations totaly different

Your duckling has no one else to focus on but you since he is alone.you are his flock, I would highly rec getting him a friend so he has a buddy for when you can't be with him. I can't imagine how sad that would be to hear my duckling wailing because he doesn't have his flock with him[you]

 

[umblah21]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I spent some quality time feeding them canned sweet peas on the couch last night. They seemed to enjoy it. I got them a cat bed to chill in so they would feel more secure.

My daughter is 8 years old and she is very mellow around them. Tweetheart, the crazy duck, only seems comfortable while Ember is holding her.

Well hopefully they will come around soon.

Elisabeth

 

[LauraHope]

Elisabeth, canned peas can have a lot of sodium, (and also have bpa in the lining of the inside of the can). Try thawed frozen peas instead.


Miss Lydia, I didn't mean when I leave her home that she freaks out, (I take her on errands and she's content in the car with the dog when I need to run in somewhere) But when I go around a corner and she wasn't paying attention and didn't follow me while at home, she is alarmed and calls for me.

 

[umblah21]

Ok Laura, thanks dear. Should I cook the frozen peas or just thaw them out?