Should I just stick with chickens?

[RocketChick]

So at the feed store, there was one lone pekin duckling, and I've always heard good things about them and already knew how to take care of them so I took it home.

It bonded instantly with the other four chicks and I was glad it was happy.

It's a girl. And it's supposed to be LOUD when she grows up. I can't have my neighbors complain or they get taken away....

Also, she doesn't like me very much. She won't eat ANY treat from my hand (but will eat it when I drop it) like the other four chicks. She runs away from my hand when I just put it in there, freaking out.

Well, when I put my hand in there, they ALL run away, and then like two seconds later, run back, the chicks will run to my hand, and the duck will stay nearby but won't let me touch it. Progress? Ah.

I love the chicks, they're nice and friendly....so far I like the chicks better...will that change later? Is it worth risking the noise and the mess? Ahhh!

Should I just stick with chickens? Or get a muscovy duckling or something?

 

[chiknwhisperer]

I walked into TSC for 4 pullet chicks and came out with the chicks and 3 rouen ducklings. So far I do like my chickies better. I think its just becasue they are more sociable. Maybe a difrent breed would be better. They are cute as heck though. I don't think I can just stick to chickens to be honest.

 

[conny63malies]

get muscovies, they are quiet, they wag their tails like dogs and if you feed them noodles they come running like crazy, well atleast mine did.

 

[ChickenToes]

You just have to keep handling them and giving them treats. Ducklings usually are more wary than chickens. I can never get ducklings to bond with me, but when they grow up they become more friendly and curious. (They recognize me coming across the yard as the lady with the lettuce.)

 

[epona4]

Goslings seem to bond.

And they cry when you walk away! At least mine do.

I know that doesn't help you much.

Hope your girl starts to be more comfortable with you.

 

[Alpacamama]

I handled my ducklings all the time and they never seem to warm up either so you are not alone. But my babies from last year now eat out of my hand as of this week.

I totally agree about geese. Every gosling I have ever had cry whenever I leave the room. It becomes a bit much after a while. I have one gosling now and I have to hold it when I watch tv or there will be no peace. lol

 

[Wifezilla]

I have had 5 ducks (6 if you count a teenager duck that died recently) and only one lets me pet it. This duck and one other will eat from my hand. The others act like I have cooties

That being said, they do run to me whenever I come in the yard. They "talk" to me too. They are cute and funny and their eggs are great.

From what everyone has said, chickens are more like dogs.
Ducks are more like cats.

Since I have had cats for so long, I guess I am just properly trained

 

[TheDuckCrew]

i've had four pekins. my girl slushie, would let me pet her for awhile. sadly, she died from a weasel attack sunday. her drake, chubby, died later that night from either a dog, coyote, or fox. we aren't sure, we just found feathers.
anyways, i have two ducks left. i call them the twins. they are two crested pekin drakes. whenever i go out now, they quack and come running to me. i went across the yard to slushie's grave, and they followed me. i went back to the front of the house and i was cleaning their buckets. i got up and turned around and saw that the twins were RIGHT there. now, whenever i step out the door, they come running. they won't let me touch them, but i wouldn't trade them for anything. they are my babies and i'd say stick with the duck. she'll love you so much, even though she may not be as outgoing as chickens. but they are worth it. i would give anything to have all four of my ducks again.

 

[muscovy94]

All the ducks I have ever had have always followed me around the yard and have been very sociable. Maybe that was because I hatched them myself. But don't worry, I'm sure she will warm up sooner or later. Just spend lots of time with her. LIke hold her when you are doing nothing like watching tv or something. But if you do ever get more ducks later on, I would strongly suggest getting muscovies. Whenever they see me get home everyday, they will fly to the porch from the pond and stay there for hours and then finally leave when they realize that I'm not coming out. They are very sweet. They are VERY SOCIABLE!!!

good luck with your ducking. ANy name yet?

 

[cowman910]

What i have to be the first to start this? PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES!