Taming Ducklings.

[awyman]

View attachment 1728745 I have 5 ducklings they are about 3 1/2 weeks old. They are very social to the other ducks but aren’t social around people. They are very shy and get SUPER freaked out when you put your hands near them. I tried feeding them out of my hand. I have other ducks and they are all so sweet. But these 5 are crazy, and I didn’t do anything different. Any suggestions for getting them to settle down.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do you just go in and sit with them not trying to touch or hold them ? Once they get use to your presence then take and start tossing some meal worms or peas. Take it slow but gradually toss the treats closer and closer to you till they are eating out of your hand. It may take some time but it can be done.

 

[Loopeend]

I tend to keep those longer from the group OR with a strong dominant confident duck of the group so they learn from that duck that I am not scary, but the God that brings food magically.
And then Ceasar Milaning them with starting going through my knees when giving them snacks, use the same words often; before every snacks in some happy voice 'Hello duck, I come to bring you snacks! JAAAAY!'. You feel ridicoulous and hope the neighbours don't see you; but coming off at least as possilbe threathening as one can do and doing same-stuff instead of behaving different (unexpecting) can make them feel more safe.

 

[Texag87]

They are at a stage that you are considered an axe muderer. Give it a couple more weeks and they will eat out of your hand.

 

[Cayuga momma]

Mine were terrified of me for months. They slowly got more comfortable with me. Now they follow me around and today my female came up to me and gave me a light nibble on my cheek, lol.
It just takes time and patience.