To handle or not to handle?

[Ducks4FFA]

To handle or not to handle? That is the question.

I purchased week old ducks from a feed store recently,and they don't like it when I pick them up. They chirp and squirm in my hands when I try to hold them (not as much with my Khaki Campbell than with my Black Swedish and Ancona, which act more dominant) and run away from me when I try to go near them, because they think I'm going to pick them up.

So, the question is, should I try to pick them up more? Obviously I lost my chance to have them imprint on me, but I still want them to be docile, calm and friendly birds. Will handling them more make the bond tighter, or just ruin it completely? I must know before it's so late!

Thanks in advance to all repliers!

 

[Pork Pie]

I've never kept ducks, but if chickens are anything to go by, then spending time with them - maybe reading a book or whatever, along with offering treats from your hands may work (try not to put your hand into the brooder from directly above as this may scare them).

All the best
CT

 

[Ducks4FFA]

Good advice! I'll make sure to try this and let you know how it works.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hope it works out! Maybe other duck-keeping members will chip in with more duck-specific advice.

All the best
CT