What is the oldest ducks can imprint on you?

[Boskat]

I got my duckling from a hardware store. They thought it was a couple weeks old. We have a few chics and ducks as outside pets, but I adore them and spoil them like a pedigree poodle. “Bitty” was tiny and a little off. I gave her a bath because she wasn’t submerging her head to drink and was dry. I immediately noticed the fear and rapid circles she was swimming in, while the other ducklings knew where they were going. As a paramedic, zoology major and wildlife rescue staff... I knew Bitty was bling. I caught it within 24 hrs, but not before the baby chics decided to pic the pine shavings off one of her eyes, damaging it worse. . I isolated Bitty and have spent 24/7 w her. While she was too old to imprint, Bitty panics if i leave the room. She only calms to my voice. When allowed to run in the room freely I sing a goofy song w her name so she can find me. She calms once her bill finds my foot. It’s not imprinting from what I read, but Shes codependent and needs me. She HATES being picked up. I imagine part of that is due to blindness. We are working on that. PATIENCE in my part. It has to be on Bittys terms. If she thinks she hopped in my hand, it’s ok. When I lay on the bed to watch TV she seeks me out, crawls up in my chest and sleeps on my neck. She nibbles my lips to get me up. I’ve worked with mini blind animals but this is my first duck. She will be my pet. I am terminal and permanently disabled as well. There’s nothing this little baby can do to upset me. If anyone has any advice I’m blind duckliI I would be grateful. But is far as imprinting… Don’t worry so much about the 24-48 hr time line. Love them and they will love you back.

 

[Nessie2020]

I agree the imprinting does not need to be done within 24 to 48 hours. I have had many ducklings that have been purchased by me or given to me that have been much older and have imprinted on me. I do agree that owning only one duck is cruel. I was one of those people who wanted a duck to be a pet in my house wearing a diaper. I did my research and found out that they need a friend. So whenever I purchase a duckling I always buy at least two. I have a beautiful home set up outside for them. I spend a lot of time with all of my ducks and my two geese. I have 15 ducks, two geese, + 3 brand new ducklings. I love ducks, and I have a hard time going to my local farm store without buying a duckling or a gosling when I go. But I will tell you I never buy any babies unless I know I have a bunch of time to spend with them. And that's what it takes, for imprinting and bonding you need to spend a lot of time with your animals.