Too Late To Imprint

[DenverDucky]

LOL! I dont think that counts!!!

Hah I don't think so either, my duck was sexed and she knows I'm Mommy

 

[jody12]

I just got my babies today, witch I think they are 2-3 weeks old and made me upset. I ordered them and was hoping to get a day old or so. They are scared and one is hissing at me. Am I going to get these two to bound with me? Someone please help! They run away when I take them out of there tote witch is huge.


PLEASE HELP!
JODY

 

[Diamond88]

I am far from an expert compared to most posters here, but as to the original question, the research I've done seems to indicate that a duck can, in fact, imprint beyond the first 48 hours. When it gets to be a week or two old, that becomes way more questionable, but a three-day-old duckling should probably still imprint.

Jody, if you ordered ducks that were supposed to be a few days old and got ducks that were a few weeks old, well, I'd say the first thing to do would be to contact the seller! That said, you can still work on bonding with these ducklings. Sit down on the floor so that you look smaller and less intimidating, and talk to them in a sweet and soothing voice. Try to avoid sudden movements. After they relax in your presence, handle them gently, cuddling them in your arms and letting them relax over time. Offer them treats like peas or lettuce. They'll learn to trust you over time. Just be patient. Ducks are prey animals and you're much bigger than they are, so you have to slowly show them that you're not a threat. They're not domesticated to the extent that dogs and cats are, so even though they're dependent on you and couldn't survive in the wild, they still don't want to snuggle with you.

Keep in mind that, regardless of age and imprinting, most ducks just don't like to be held. I hatched my duck and she's very clearly imprinted on me, but she still hates when I pick her up! She always runs when I try to grab her, no matter how slow and gentle I try to be. That said, I'm still able to diaper her and keep her as a pet, and she absolutely loves to be near me, as long as I don't make a move to grab her. She's happiest when she's sitting at my feet. Sometimes, when she's tired, I can put her down on my lap and she'll stay there, falling asleep on me.

 

[jody12]

Thank You for the reply. I got 2 day old ducks instead and having a great time. They are so much fun. Thank You!
Jody

 

[BarredRockGirls]

I have 3 imprinted ducks . All 10 weeks old . It's a remarkable bond and yet they all are very much still ducks in every way it's just me they worry about and follow and love on and sit by . They where pre sexed orders from an online hatchery I got them as day olds BUT I spent an EMENSE. Amount of time working w them . Soooo imprint or not I think that's the key . How dedicated do u want to be ? Some might call most of it training . Who knows lol don't stress it . Just enjoy them .. Work w them and be patient
To answer your question ... YES . Absolutely it can and it's great . I just got 2 goslings as 2 day olds and they are well on their way to imprinting too