scared ducks

[Mogul Moonshine]

i have 3 ducks a golden 300, a welsh and a rouen they are 3 months old and they hate me is there any ways to get them not to.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Ducks are a prey animal. They are designed to run away/fly away from things that scare them.

Mine were terrified to the point I thought surely they would injure themselves while fleeing.
Moving slowly around them, not moving TOWARD them directly helped. Sitting quietly near them while they do ducky things helps.

Recently hey have started approaching my when I am filling the water. Even better was them deciding that the bee waterer was interesting enough they could come within 6' of me to play in it.



Basically..... Respect that they are prey animals. Don't try to cuddle/snuggle with them. Enjoy them for what they are. Eventually they will calm down and come closer and closer to you.

 

[YodaBat]

Try only looking at them with one eye. We are bi focused like most predators. They hate that you looking at them with two eyes. Try looking sideways and walking toward them sideways with one eye it will improve fast.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Yes, time, patience, and slow movements but also treats, treats, and more treats. I added two adult ducks to my flock last March. Both acted like I was a very scary monster. I feed mine grape tomatoes (less than one each) and meal worms at bedtime every night. I have one of the two eating out of my hand now (like my other ducks) and the other stays about 4 feet away but eats the treats I toss to her.

 

[Mogul Moonshine]

Thanks any tips for socializing week old chicks

 

[sourland]

Thanks any tips for socializing week old chicks

Approach them on their level - not from above. It's the same 'prey animal' consideration. You ducks are in that teen aged phase where once friendly ducks tend to become panicky. They will eventually settle down and become less fearful.

 

[Mogul Moonshine]

Thanks

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Yes, time, patience, and slow movements but also treats, treats, and more treats. I added two adult ducks to my flock last March. Both acted like I was a very scary monster. I feed mine grape tomatoes (less than one each) and meal worms at bedtime every night. I have one of the two eating out of my hand now (like my other ducks) and the other stays about 4 feet away but eats the treats I toss to her.

Agree, treats and more treats, dint push it. My runners were ao terrified inwas afraid ot let them out. Having my other ducks that weren’t scared helped . The runners wint eat from my hands but they do dive into the pea dish as i am setting it down, they come running when i come in because I always have something good

 

[Debby Duck]

I sit on the ground and give them treats. You might have to place the treats near you for a while until they gradually get comfortable. Mine prefer to approach me instead of the other way around.

Don't try to force them in your lap. I think some ducks will never be lap ducks. Mine will crawl and claw their way up on me if I have treats. But the minute I reach for one even to pet, they move away. And I raised them from babies! They're 5 month old drakes and one of them has suddenly become disinterested in me even with treats. He's not scared, he just stands by while the other 3 gobble up everything. You never know what they're thinking.