Raising single duckling

[Ducklover9878]

Although raising one duckling is not ideal, only 1 of 6 eggs hatched... im a little confused because I was worried about it imprinting on me, but I dont think it has. It doesn't like to be picked up very much and seems content on its own. Do all ducklings imprint? And of so, why doesn't it seem mine has imprinted on anything? I mean im happy that it doesn't seem like it has just because that makes things more difficult but im just confused.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Are you spending any time with the duckling? imprinting happens at hatch who they see first is who they imprint on. But when multiple ducklings hatch then their attention goes to those they are brooded with.
I had a single duckling hatch under a Muscovy she attacked it so I brought it inside to brood it. He imprinted on me and my dh We enjoyed it so much. I did take him out many times a day so he could be around the other birds [I never left him alone] then when he got to be around 12weeks old we went and got him his very own females. They will all be 11 yrs old this June and July. Your missing out on some sweet times by not bonding with your duckling. Maybe your not planning on keeping it is that why you don't want it to imprint on you? Do you have other ducks? Does your duckling have a mirror it can look art itself so it knows it's a duck?

 

[Ducklover9878]

Are you spending any time with the duckling? imprinting happens at hatch who they see first is who they imprint on. But when multiple ducklings hatch then their attention goes to those they are brooded with.
I had a single duckling hatch under a Muscovy she attacked it so I brought it inside to brood it. He imprinted on me and my dh We enjoyed it so much. I did take him out many times a day so he could be around the other birds [I never left him alone] then when he got to be around 12weeks old we went and got him his very own females. They will all be 11 yrs old this June and July. Your missing out on some sweet times by not bonding with your duckling. Maybe your not planning on keeping it is that why you don't want it to imprint on you? Do you have other ducks? Does your duckling have a mirror it can look art itself so it knows it's a duck?

It lives in my room and I spend a lot of time with it. The reason I wasn't too keen on it imprinting on me is because I will be going to college in a couple years... but now I do kind of want it to imprint on someone, if not me, then one of my family members. It does have mirrors in its tub and Otis likes to lay in his food dish...

 

[Ducklover9878]

It lives in my room and I spend a lot of time with it. The reason I wasn't too keen on it imprinting on me is because I will be going to college in a couple years... but now I do kind of want it to imprint on someone, if not me, then one of my family members. It does have mirrors in its tub and Otis likes to lay in his food dish. Otis also like to nibble my hair and climb on my shoulders when I am holding him. Also he does peep really loudly when I put him on the floor and walk a little ways a way in hopes that he will come to me, and sometimes he does, but other times he just stands there crying.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aww bless. Well it sounds like Otis likes you. Have you thought about getting Otis a friend? If Otis had a friend and someone in your family is going to be keeping them while your away at college Otis would sure be happier if he had a buddy to hang out with.

 

[KaleIAm]

I'm sorry the other eggs didn't hatch.

Personally, I would get another duckling as close in size and age to Otis as possible. This will help him feel happy and safe.

I had 6 baby ducklings who imprinted on each other. They were wonderful to watch sleeping and playing together. They still slept on my feet and now 7 years later the one that remains and her friend come when I call them.

 

[BelovedBirds]

It lives in my room and I spend a lot of time with it. The reason I wasn't too keen on it imprinting on me is because I will be going to college in a couple years... but now I do kind of want it to imprint on someone, if not me, then one of my family members. It does have mirrors in its tub and Otis likes to lay in his food dish...

Since no others hatched, won't you be getting friends for him in the future? If so, I'm sure he'll adjust to you being away at college, if he has other friends to keep him company until you come back.
It would be ideal if you could try and find a friend for him, of a similar age and size.
For now, he's lonely and you're all the company he really has. My first duckling was alone for 4 days, before her sister hatched-I let her imprint on me and boy did she imprint! Hours of cuddles and letting her follow me around on the floor. Lots of bonding. She adjusted just fine at the arrival of her sister and they've been great ever since!
I still have a very close relationship with both.
Some people are somewhat against letting them imprint, but personally I think its okay, especially in a situation where they are without siblings. My little Dougie would have been so lonely, even with her mirror and teddy.

If you want to let him imprint, you could put him on the floor (in a safe place, no dogs or cats in the room, no hazards) and walk slowly away from him, see if he will follow. This is a natural urge to them, to follow, as they would with their mama, and it's said to strengthen the bond. Otherwise, simply sit with him and let him grow more familiar with you.
I'm sure the two of you will be best buddies soon