Terrified Ducklings

[Mtnboomer]

The 2 dark ones are suspected of being cayugas but we don't know for sure.

 

[Duckworth]

The 2 dark ones are suspected of being cayugas but we don't know for sure.

The lighter brown one may also be a Khaki Campbell, assuming that it has the lower, non-runner stance. It’s hard to tell when they are bunched into the corner.

My ducklings all did the same thing whenever they thought we might try to handle them. It’s a “RUN FOR YOUR LIVES” kind of thing with mine.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

My ducklings went through phases so far. My first few days they were terrified of me. Then they warmed up and was eating out of my hand. Next thing I know they were scared of me again. They are back eating out of my hand now and their peeps are getting deeper.

Yes duck(lings) go through phases: When their first real feathers break through the skin it causes them some discomfort and they are cranky and scared. Then again when they molt first.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Yup! paranoid. My hen chickens bow at my feet while my drake tells me off

All of my ducks are back to eat meal-worms out of my hands, they even lick my fingers clean. After i released the spring ducklings they were all somewhat sh, now that the fighting is over and they are one flock they all enjoy my company again.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Welcome! Spend as much time as you can with them. Talk to them as you enter their area so they get use to the routine that you are coming to them and have goodies for them to eat. I always say "Hi girls" before I get to the duck room door so they know it's me. They listen to everything. It may take time but be patient You could even turn on a low Mello music once in awhile so they get use to sounds and voices. Sounds silly but it helps too. Post pics so we can all see the babies.

Exactly what i did with this year's spring ducklings: I announced that i come into the room, fed them treats while holding them, had them sitting on my lap and watching duckling videos on BYC and YT and had a radio playing when i wasn't home. They still go through skiddish phases, but less intense and come back soon.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Here they are! They tolerate me being at the edge of their enclosure but still freak out when I slowly reach for them.View attachment 1705640

The black one could be a Cayuga or a Black Runner (is it standing upright sometimes?), the brown one could be a Khaki Campbell or Buff Orpington and the two yellow ones could be White Layers, not Pekins as those have a darker orange bill. Real cuties they are. Try feeding them duck-crack (dried meal-worms), that should thaw them up.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Here they are! They tolerate me being at the edge of their enclosure but still freak out when I slowly reach for them.View attachment 1705640

I call this age the murder, murder stage. The next two weeks they will scream murder murder whenever you approach. Then they will calm back down and ask for treats. They will never like being picked up

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I call this age the murder, murder stage. The next two weeks they will scream murder murder whenever you approach. Then they will calm back down and ask for treats. They will never like being picked up

Believe it or not, my Buff Orpington drake asks to be picked up. He knows that while sitting in my lap he can enjoy the meal-worms without competition. Hope the other ducks will never figure that out…

 

[Texag87]

Believe it or not, my Buff Orpington drake asks to be picked up. He knows that while sitting in my lap he can enjoy the meal-worms without competition. Hope the other ducks will never figure that out…

In a few months he will not have time for you