The khaki-Campbell duck Thread !!!!!!!!

[Childwanderer]

I often hand-feed treats to my Khaki Campbells. When I do this, I sometimes witness a strange behavior. One of the ducks will approach my hand for a treat then run her bill and neck up my arm in a frenetic and tickly way.

 

[DuckieDabbler]

Lynzi777, how old are your khakis? Mine were about 24-48 hours old when I got them and spent a good amount of time with them when they were little, handling them when they got a little older to spend some time outdoors but they didn't really start eating out of my hand until they were a little older. One of the drakes wouldn't eat out of my hand forever, he just watched as the others ate out of my hand and one day just decided he would too and no problems since. Carcajou has great advice. Getting down to their level helps greatly. I sat in the yard with mine when they were still a little skittish and they warmed up quickly. Frozen peas are a favorite, they never turn those down! ) Once one of them starts eating out of your hand it will probably only be a matter of time. I also remember they were a little more comfortable/excited to eat while swimming, I started out floating some lettuce pieces in their water. I think it just takes a lot of time and patience, I was surprised it took mine so long despite all the time I spent with them. Don't worry though, I'm sure they'll warm up eventually

 

[nohbudi]

My Khaki behind the tiny Mallard hen.

 

[Britesea]

I let mine free range all day even when im not home, they go off quite a ways and come back to the house around 4 pm everyday. I have seven drakes the only time they get crankywith each other is when they are fighting over water but they are only 7 weeks old they get locked up at night

I remember reading that the Chinese used to (maybe still do?) revere ducks because you can let them out in the morning and they will return at night, having taken care of all their food needs as long as you don't question them too closely about what they ate

 

[Lynzi777]

Lynzi777, how old are your khakis? Mine were about 24-48 hours old when I got them and spent a good amount of time with them when they were little, handling them when they got a little older to spend some time outdoors but they didn't really start eating out of my hand until they were a little older. One of the drakes wouldn't eat out of my hand forever, he just watched as the others ate out of my hand and one day just decided he would too and no problems since. Carcajou has great advice. Getting down to their level helps greatly. I sat in the yard with mine when they were still a little skittish and they warmed up quickly. Frozen peas are a favorite, they never turn those down! ) Once one of them starts eating out of your hand it will probably only be a matter of time. I also remember they were a little more comfortable/excited to eat while swimming, I started out floating some lettuce pieces in their water. I think it just takes a lot of time and patience, I was surprised it took mine so long despite all the time I spent with them. Don't worry though, I'm sure they'll warm up eventually

They are 10wks old. I handled them a lot when I got them at a day or two old. But once they were outside (which was at about 2wks old because it was so warm out) I didn't handle them much but rather spent time near them while letting them out in their pen to enjoy the grass outside. They are learning quickly who to come to for treats, the minute anyone steps outside they coming running. They just aren't sure about taking things right from our hands. The other day I went out there with watermelon and held a piece in my hand for a good 5-10 minutes, still nothing. Didn't move, didn't make any sudden gestures, just sat there and they wouldn't come close enough to even reach for it. I'm sure they'll come around. Especially since they see the chickens taking stuff from our hands. I'm noticing they are picking up on a lot of what the chickens do and where they go. So I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time.

 

[DuckieDabbler]

*Still hoping someone knows what they are doing when they shake then neck wiggle up your arm ... it's so goofy*

 

[wendeld]

Me too duckiedabbler

 

[launius]

Can anyone tell me if this is a "normal" color for a Khaki Cambell? This pretty lady is lighter than my other Khakis and is pretty uniform in color but she doesn't look like the rest of my Khakis so I am just curious.

 

[launius]

Hit the wrong button.

Here's one more pick of her next to another khaki.

 

[Lynzi777]

I can't really answer your question because I'm new to khakis myself but she's really pretty! I thought the males were lighter as adults and was going to ask if it could be a drake but its head doesn't seem dark enough to be one. I'm sure someone else will chime in for ya.