Scared/Aggressive Call Duck Behavior

[cassyfrass]

Hi friends!

I have a question about our male call duck (Clyde). We just got him with a female (Hellen) a couple days ago. Our first ducks! They are both a year old. So far, they are still pretty scared of us (avoid us when we try to pick them up, etc.) First question is: does anyone have advise on how to get them more used to us? How can we show them that we mean no harm? Once we have them in our arms, Hellen is just fine and will sit with us very nicely. Clyde, on the other hand, is quite squirmy and will bite at us. Any advise?

Second, Clyde seems to be displaying some aggressive behavior. He kind of hisses or wheezes at us whenever we come near him (especially when our hands are near him), and he's constantly biting at us. In addition, he is constantly moving in some way; either twitching his feathers or fanning out his wings. Anything we can do to at least minimize the aggressiveness?

Any tips/advise you guys have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks much

 

[Amykins]

Aww, poor birdies...it sounds like whoever you got them from didn't socialize them. Time and patience are the key. Oh, and peas. Ducks will literally do anything for peas! And watermelon. And cantaloupe.

As for the aggression, it could be that he just needs time to adjust to his new home. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that ducks hate change.

 

[cassyfrass]

Aww, poor birdies...it sounds like whoever you got them from didn't socialize them. Time and patience are the key. Oh, and peas. Ducks will literally do anything for peas! And watermelon. And cantaloupe.

As for the aggression, it could be that he just needs time to adjust to his new home. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that ducks hate change.

Oh thank you so much for your input! Peas, watermelon, cantaloupe. Noted

That's what we were figuring as well. They're still very new to our home, and I'm sure are just a bit freaked out. Hopefully time will change that!

 

[Orca5094]

Yep, time and treats will help alot! Just spending time out with them (quietly, no sudden movements, maybe toss a few treats near them) should help alot. I would also recommend mealworms, corn, and kale! Never known a duck who didn't love those three delicacies!

 

[Tevyes Dad]

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that ducks hate change.

X2
That is why they just deal with bills

Seriously, even little changes can cause upset - at least temporarily. But with consistency, patience and bribes, they will get over it.

 

[cassyfrass]

Well you are all being so wonderfully helpful! And making me feel much better I so appreciate it!

 

[Amykins]

X2
That is why they just deal with bills

That was terrible.

And yeah, Wobbles isn't exactly a good baseline to judge behavior. He kind of doesn't know how to duck.