Raising ducks to be friendly

[chrismcnaney]

I’m raising 3 ducks in my suburban backyard. I want them to be friendly and comfortable being held and pet preferably. Any tips to make that happen?

 

[ChickensForEggs2500]

Hello! There are some great threads already floating around, but the small bit of advice I have is to spend all of your time with them! @fatty and friends has some great advice that's helping me raise my ducks to be friendly, so hopefully they'll chime in. Good luck!

 

[SolarDuck]

Just give each duck individual snuggles every day, and spend as much time with them as possible.

 

[Isadora]

When you go see them, try to remember to bring a little treat for each duck. Worms are a particular favorite of mine. Peas are great, too. Pretty soon they will be excited to see you. Avoid being too loud, or making sudden movements that can startle them.

 

[Saigey]

I had great luck with having friendly ducks, even a rescue wood duck! The wood duck decided to go be free one day, but she still comes back for occasional snuggles from me and my mom.
As others have said, spending lots of time with them, having treats handy so that people=food, talking to them lots so that they get used to the tones of your voice, especially the happy tones. It also helps to learn all of their little "words" and personality quirks. Lots and lots of snuggle time, and just get to know them and let them get to know you! Downey used to always seem surprised when I picked him up to move him for one reason or another, so I started saying "lift!" in a happy voice before I picked him up, and now he loves it. Best of luck!