Taming a pair of runner ducks

[inn]

Hi

I've recently adopted a pair of runner ducks, I'm not sure what age they are or their backgroud but I took them on to give them a good home.

My main concen is that they appear to be very spooked and timid/fearful of people. I've had them for a few days and they have spent a lot of time hiding away. I ws wondering if there was anything that could be done to help this? My main experience is with chickens so I'm not sure how to help this pair.

I've provided plenty of buckets of water and layers pellets and hope to sort out a small pool for them soon.

Any advice on the taming side of things?

 

[Wifezilla]

bribe them with peas

 

[crj]

Don't worry............ I have 6 runner ducks and they act the same way. I got them at 2 days old. The way I see it some runners are just that way. Mine love the pool. They have definitely relaxed since they've been in there new pen. I can tell because they don't spend as much time in the pool. They do come to me when I have snacks for them. It still takes them a while to get the courage to come close but there is always one that wants that snack so the rest follow. Give them time. They love frozen peas and over ripe tomatoes. They also love broccoli leaves. Good luck with them.

 

[inn]

Peas? I see!

Mine seem to be about young adult age which doesn't help. I'm not sure if offering a tasty snack wil help since they daren't come near people at all! I will try leav peas out for them, we've had a big own grown crop this year thankfully.

 

[Wifezilla]

Make sure they know it is you bringing the peas. Have a special call before you leave peas. Soon, you will be "The Pea Bringer" and will be elevated to godlike status....or something like that

 

[inn]

Haha the pea bringer! I shall try that, anything to help with them realising that people can be nice. Anything is better than them hiding away.

 

[rgn87]

The peas really work, mine will come running from across the yard, and I even got one eating peas out of my hands.

 

[Wifezilla]

Peas = duck crack.

My other bribery tool is Taste of the Wild cat food.

 

[inn]

Haha duck crack! Well I hope they like them as much as people say they do. Do they have to be frozen or can uncooked frozen do the same job too?

Also, catfood?? I wasn't aware that would be a good thing to feed to ducks.

Thnks for all the tips though.

 

[katharinad]

I usually go out and call:
"Who wants peas?"
You should see how fast they can run. Anything for peas. Actually they don't care what I have. They love watermelon too.
Ducks learn really fast. 3 days tops and they get it. Make them follow you around with the pea bowl in the hand. They learn to see you as a pack leader that way.
Mine also love koi fish pellets. I call them ducky crackers, because of the sound they make when the ducks eat them.
Start teaching them routines, that takes their fear away and builds trust.
The first routine we had was getting out of the pen, crossing the parking lot, and going into the 1 acre fenced in duck yard for the day. First we had to lead them by walking behind them holding our arms out. Now they run all by themselves. Same for going back to the pen in the evening. We also trained them to go into the duck house from their pen through the dog door. Now they do it all by themselves.