they're so scared...

[johari]

I have three Pekin ducklings that I picked up today. They're not hatchlings. At least three weeks old. All they've known is the life in the feed store's barn, in a tiny stacked "brooder". They run away from the door of my brooder any time I come near it. I haven't tried to handle them at all really today as I want to give them some time to relax. But tomorrow I know I'm going to need to clean out the brooder at some point.

Any tips on how to handle these little frightened duckies?

 

[Amiga]

First, thanks for taking them in.

At three weeks, many ducks become extremely fearful, especially of things much taller than they are.

When my runners went through this, I set up a safe space for them that they could go to while I cleaned the brooder. It was our hallway, and I put down an old sheet and just let them wait in the hall while I cleaned up.

Then we would have a pea party in the hall, then they would go back into the brooder.

It takes weeks for them to get a grip again. Treats, patience, time with them, singing sweet little songs, all helps. Stay low, announce your arrival before you appear so as not to alarm them.

 

[johari]

Their brooder is at about waist height. So at least I'm not to far above them. I'll remember to hum or sing a little song to let them know I'm coming. I'll see if they're interested in treats tomorrow. I feel so badly for them.

 

[Amiga]

It's good you are empathetic. I think that will help them. Oh, babies. It tore me apart when my runners, overnight, became terrified of me.

 

[johari]

I feel so badly for them.

 

[Going Quackers]

You should see my 3wk olds lol and they are ours hatched & raised here BUT i bring that bowl of lettuce in all of a sudden, i am not so evil. Honestly, it's typical, takes time, food helps when they learn your the feed trough that overrides the fears a bit.

Talking to them helps, i talk to my birds, probably wacky but honestly they do get it, there simple creatures and sense true danger instinctively.

GL!

 

[johari]

I've got some peas thawing out for them right now.

 

[Amiga]

I've got some peas thawing out for them right now.

 

[ducklucky]

You're doing the right things. You are, after all, much bigger than they are and of course they are naturally afraid. When you give them the peas, take it out IN THE BAG, and they will come to recognize when it is pea time. You will eventually be able to get them to come to you when you rattle the bag and call out "time for peas!" Mine won't be anywhere in sight but will come running, it's how I bring them in when I need to. Also, get down on their level, I sit on the stoop and let them eat from my hand, may take a little coaxing at first, just make a pea path to your hand, and always show them you are putting your hand in the bag and bringing out candy. Trust me, it won't take long, maybe even just a couple of days, for them to know what's going on. Don't be surprised if they try to jump in your lap in a week or so if you have that magic bag! Pekins are sometimes just naturally nervous, if you can figure out who the leader is, that is the one you especially want to endear, the rest will follow suit. Don't be discouraged, of course they are a little skittish right now, but peas always do the trick! Good luck, you will be pleasantly surprised how well this works. Also, if you just open the bag at the top and poke a small hole in the bottom, you can just run hot water from the spigot thru it, and they thaw in no time flat. Have fun!

 

[ducklucky]

And yes, talking and singing help too, mine prefer the song "Rubber Ducky" from sesame street, but any gentle singing helps, mine will actually get real quiet and listen to me and then applaud with their quacks. Don't know why, I can shatter glass with my voice, but they seem to like it LOL. I converse with them as if they were children and they really do pay attention.