the new ducks hate me

[doubled]

picked up some 3 week old ducklings from the local feed store.
any tips on how to become "mom" and not just the big scary monster that comes around a few times a day?
is handling them gently going to help or should i just let them be?

 

[duckyfromoz]

Handling them will help, But its always eaiser when you start off with day olds. Perserverance with food and treats will get them more used to you. Try to approach them crouched down or even on your knees- so you dont look so huge to them. They probably havent had much human contact at all in their first three weeks- So just be patient.

 

[doubled]

while starting out with day olds would have been more ideal, these little guys just needed out of their cooped up quarters and were on sale. when you say treats, what is the best route to go there? greens? bugs? snails? worms? goldfish? i know all of those are good treats for ducks but which one will make them love me the most? actually, i'm not overy conserned with them loving me, i just don't want them to hurt themselves trying to get away when i come in to change the water, food, etc

 

[duckyfromoz]

In the mornings before refilling food and water containers- I will hold out some food in my hands- Being hungry at that time they are more likely to approach and eat from my hands. Try approaching at a lower angle and make sure the know you are approaching so they dont get startled.

I give mine fruit and vegetables - cut to age appropriate sizes, I have read on here about people giving them a swim in a bath with some feeder fish- I havent tried it myself- but do often bring in some smaller worms if I have been outside in the garden. I couldnt really say which they would love the most- mine pretty much love everything I give them the same.

 

[Amiga]

Hi, doubled,

I took duckyfromoz's advice a few weeks ago when my formerly sweet and relatively cuddly runners started running away from me, screaming bloody murder. I don't think I did anything differently, but looking back, and with dfo's help, I think that as they grew, their brooder seemed to shrink, and they felt cornered.

So, onto my hands and knees (when it comes to animals, I have no pride). That helped. What really helped was allowing them to go to another part of the room (now, out into the hallway), so they would not feel cornered. With runners, that seems to be a huge deal to them.

Another thing that helped was increasing the number of times I would offer treats (once or twice a day instead of two or three times a week). With eleven birds, a half a cup, or a cup of peas is not much.

I have a puppy playpen and that helps. It keeps them confined but you can sit in the playpen with them and offer treats and let them get closer to you.

Perhaps there is an area with vinyl flooring, or that you could cover with something washable, where you can spend quality time.

 

[Sweetfolly]

Just keep feeding them treats until they recognize you as the "Almighty Bringer of Food".

It works for me - my ducks all come running when the see me, to find out if I have anything good for them to eat.

 

[suburbanduckmom]

Peas = love