Scared Ducklings

[Chalfrha73]

Hi, i have 2 khaki campbells and 2 aylesbury ducklings. They are about 2 weeks old and I have had them since Monday (4 days). I am finding it easier than expected, although they are really messy! I just clean them out twice a day. I spend lots of time with them and they talk to me and eat out my hand. They LOVE meal worms and follow me for them. My only problem is that I have to pick them up to take them out the brooder when I clean it. This is always an unpleasant and panicky experience for all of us. Is there anything I can do to make it calmer. I think they panic cause they are being seperated as I take them out one by one. It has to be done though as they need fresh flooring in the brooder. Any tips would be appreciated.:/

 

[sourland]

Since they are prey animals, poultry tend to be fearful of anything coming at them from above. In your situation, this is necessary so that you can clean their brooder. Talk softly to them as you reach for them and slowly herd them into a corner to pick them up. Hand feeding is a good thing, and I think that when you move them to a larger brooder they will become less fearful. Good luck.

 

[Chalfrha73]

Thank you.