Welsh Harlequin Observations

[CorralitosSunflower]

I noticed the my 4 WH didn't ever imprint on me, despite the fact that I hatched them and they are handled quite a bit. I think/thought this was strange. They sure are lovers though, they are now almost 2 weeks old and love to be us humans. I have read completely opposite things about WH, that they are super calm and that they are super skittish. The jury is out

 

[kcardella]

I have 2 WH, 2 Khakis, and 2 Golden 300 hybrids that are all a little over 7 weeks old. They have been handled daily. I heard that the WH were calmer/friendlier than the Khakis, but I have not found that to be true. They all will come up to eat from my hand and will follow me around, but none want to be touched or picked up. They won't freak out if I pet them or pick them up, but they don't prefer it.

The Khakis are the friendliest of the bunch, followed closely by the hybrids, the WH coming in last. They have a baby pool, and the WH do not use it nearly as much as the others. They don't really seem to like the water all that much. They are always hanging outside the pool while the Khakis and hybrids are splashing about.

This is my first experience with ducks, and I thought they would be much friendlier if handled frequently as babies, but they get to a point where they will hang out NEAR you, but not WITH you.

Very cute and funny though, and I am enjoying them a great deal!

 

[jmc]

Yes, my Campbells are very cute birds, too--all of them.

I sort of feel bad for them; always in such a stressful state.........

I have read that flocks of 50 are optimum for a calm Campbell. Another says very small groupings!!!!!!!!!!

It involves alot of factors. I myself have read that Camp's. and Runners are the most skittish...................

Also known of some who've had birds imprint on them; others no luck and Campbells hated them even though handled every day............

 

[Birch Run Farm]

My Dutch hook bills from Holderreads are very sociable. I had read they are a calm breed and that was one of the reasons I selected them. I don't like nervous ninnies. My group of scovy ducklings are also quite social, they are getting better and better!

 

[CityChicker]

My Dutch Hookbill was very friendly also. I only had one, but I would really like to have some again.

I really think that temperament must just be somewhat inherited. I am trying always in the future to breed only from calm breeder birds.

I have been keeping the WH outside now during the day for about a week. Each day, they seem to get more and more skittish. They are hilarious to watch. Any tiny little thing that frightens them sends them into a frenzy. LOL