Taming a pair of runner ducks

[AdamD77]

I haven't tried peas myself but I've heard they're great for bonding and bribing

With me and my two batches of runners, the main thing I did was spend time with them

I just sat there in the room with them just so they got used to me. My first lot were 5 days old when we got them and my second lot were about a month old and they're pretty good with me now at around 3 months old!

You just need a lot of patience - spend time with them, give them treats (I also wait until they're hungry and then give them their proper food from my hand which seems to work well) and handle them regularly

 

[percyj]

Do feeder fish koi food and cat food make the eggs taste funny? Like fishy ?

 

[Wifezilla]

Nope.

 

[dumb_cluck]

Yup! I discovered peas last year! It's duck candy!

 

[inn]

Right, I've went in and changed their water and left them corn, layer pellets, some lettuce and peas. I then went into the chicken run next door and sat down and waited for half an hour at least. They didn't move closer apart from a stretch and a head scratch. Amusingly all my chicken came over and sat down near me though

So they won't come anywhere near me regardless, so any thoughts? So you think following this pattern will help?

 

[sonew123]

MIne were adoptees too. the previous owner was very good to them but was more of a total free ranger and not "close" to her animals like I am--They have been with me for 5 months and still run away from me-dingsdongs! They aren't as bad as they were though. the way I figure it..by the time death is knocking on their door will be the first time one will eat from my hand! LOL

 

[inn]

Ah I know not all animals will be tamed, though it would be nice to not have them panic when I step close to them. I just need them to know it's okay even if they want to keep their distance.

 

[AdamD77]

Quote:
I say keep doing what you did - put some food half way between you and the ducks and just sit there and wait. Even if they don't move any closer or eat the food, just the fact that you're there will help and within a few days they should start feeling more comfortable with you

With my 4 girls they were around a month old when we got them. It took me about 3 days to get them to eat from my hand

If yours are older it will probably take a bit more time but like I said, patience is the key!

 

[inn]

Well this morning the report is they have been at the water and a little at the food but peas remain

They're still sat in their hidey corner but less so hiding behind stuff just sat on the straw I've provided. I suppose that's a start. But maybe they're not into peas like other runners.

I shall try sit with them later.

How can I age the ducks I have? As I haven't a clue. They're quite small but fully feathered. A few months?

 

[L0rraine]

I couldn't get mine interested in peas either. But I'm going out to their pen to try again right now! I have some newbies that might be willing to give the peas a try (and with the flock mentality, if just one or two decide to try them, then EVERYBODY else will too

)