Skitish Pekins

[M Kelley]

I have 4 Pekins and they are friendly but very skitish even though we have handled them from the day we got them. They run away everything time I approach them. Once I get one I can pet him or her but it squawks to get out of my hands to get back to the other 3. They are seven weeks old and we haven't named them yet because we don't know if they are boys or girls. I have tried treats but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Going Quackers]

Time? ducks are prey animals and by nature tend to be skittish and UN-trusting, they often think us people are out to do harm, time will help all ducks go through a scared of everything stage too.

My pekin were raised in the house for awhile so handled but are not in my pocket, they do come for 'shower' time lol they love hose play and would come if i offered something really tasty, but i prefer my ducks be more independent, if you sit around them, toss a few treats in time they will learn your presence is something they will like.

 

[BackYard Sheena]

I have 4 Pekins and they are friendly but very skitish even though we have handled them from the day we got them. They run away everything time I approach them. Once I get one I can pet him or her but it squawks to get out of my hands to get back to the other 3. They are seven weeks old and we haven't named them yet because we don't know if they are boys or girls. I have tried treats but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any ideas?

nice to know I am not the only one!! I have two around the same age, and they are the exact same way. I keep trying to hand feed treats and they will come and snatch it out of my hand but still want no part of me touching or getting close without food. My Rouen (or mallard cross??) is even more skittish and I usually have to throw the treats if I don't want him/her to be left out...

 

[StephMagee]

Mine are 3 1/2 months old and have been handled since there were little and are still skittish. They don't like to be picked up or to be petted. Once I can pet them they a quack and try to get away. Mine still won't eat out of my hand either. They are slowly getting better with being held and petted but still try to run. I'm guessing it will just take time and work!