super scared ducks

[duckielife]

Hi! I brought home two ducks to befriend my existing two. They were "rescued" from a place that was overrun with too many ducks. They are really scared. As soon as they see me they run. I'm a little worried I'll annoy my neighbors with the noise. Is there hope of teaching them not to be afraid? I'm wondering now if I made a mistake.

 

[HuskerHens18]

That's how most ducks are. Mine are 6 years old and never tamed down. The best you can do is sit with them in a pen quietly and offer them yummy treats. Don't reach for them or touch them, just let them know that your company is a positive thing, not a danger.

 

[thumper650]

Give them time. I have 2 ducks and I just got 2 runners from a very good home, they're pretty skittish. They'll take some time to adjust. Today I sat in their new under construction condo, and threw them peas out the door. One ate from my hand and that's progress. As for noise, mine are noisy right now too.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Hi! I brought home two ducks to befriend my existing two. They were "rescued" from a place that was overrun with too many ducks. They are really scared. As soon as they see me they run. I'm a little worried I'll annoy my neighbors with the noise. Is there hope of teaching them not to be afraid? I'm wondering now if I made a mistake.

We rescued our Runners from the local store, we bought 》a lump of ducklings 《(six) and whenever we had to handle them they freaked out, flailing, flapping and chirping as if they were slowly eaten alive. They're still afraid of me especially (I'm the evil human stuffing pills down sick duckies throat), but my new secret weapon are mealworms! Its like wheed for duckies! My duckies jump for these.

 

[chickens really]

Yes...Just feed and water them. Don't really look at them for a few days. Sit and visit with them once you feed. They quickly learn you won't hurt them. Two of my Calls came from a pond with not much human interaction and now will lay close to my feet when I sit outside.

 

[happy duck]

Change is linked with trust I have found out so take slow. Let them get used to the new home. Sit with them for 1015 minutes day(time can be spread out) give them ummy treats, and talk quietly to them. If they eat out of your that is great progress! Don't pick them up or touch them this is the key to losing the kinda gained trust.

 

[Jpat]

Change is linked with trust I have found out so take slow. Let them get used to the new home. Sit with them for 1015 minutes day(time can be spread out) give them ummy treats, and talk quietly to them. If they eat out of your that is great progress! Don't pick them up or touch them this is the key to losing the kinda gained trust.

Thats how much ide like to spend with mine

 

[happy duck]

Thats how much ide like to spend with mine

I meant to say 10-15 minutes a day!!! I am so sorry, but hey 1015 would be great to spend with your ducks!

 

[thumper650]

Sit with them for 1015 minutes day.

That leaves 25 minutes a day for everything else.

 

[happy duck]

That leaves 25 minutes a day for everything else.

In my defense I would rather be with ducks then doing other stuff.....I think we could all agree!!!