why do my ducks keep on running away from me??

[Omniskies]

Our ducklings did the same. If you handled them -constantly- (we had a batch in my bedroom I'd talk to all the time) then they're fine. But the moment you stop obsessing over them and hand feeding them they revert back to "omfg!11 teh world is EVIL KILLAH" mode. Muscovies don't seem to have that problem, and my goslings happily greet me. If you want adorable waterfowl that likes you try them

 

[Buster]

Our ducks are very skeered all the time. I don't know why. They are nice to look at and funny to watch but they are definitely not pets.

 

[lleighmay]

My son and I once had a mallard hen leftover from the feed store where I worked (VA has a buy 6 law and she was #7 that nobody wanted so they gave her to me, hence her name 7). She'd been in the store for at least two weeks but took to us immediately anyway and we raised her up to be a lap duck/possibly a dog. If you sat in a lawn chair she sat in your lap and did the "up periscope" guardian duck thing (nobody could ever sneak up on us) and helped mow the yard by following us for every lap. She never would swim but liked to sit in the bird bath as long as her feet could touch the bottom. We finally had to send her to a friend's farm b/c we were in town and not supposed to have poultry of any kind which was hard to conceal because she started hollering at 0600 every morning because she knew that's what time we got up. She did become more "normal" after that and raised numerous clutches of babies. I don't think we did anything special to/for her except love her- maybe she was just so affectionate because we were the only family she had. My son still hopes to have another duck/s once I get my pens the way I want them because she was such a positive experience/friend for him (he's now 23!)

 

[White Elk]

I've got two Runner Ducks who were about 3-4 weeks old when we got them. They are slowly but surely getting more friendly towards me. But its not a deep friendship like with a cat or dog, its more like a formal friendship lol. I don't know that ducks will ever be bosum buddies like cats or dogs unless they are hand raised from the egg and you are the first being they see... and you take great care with them so they continue to think of you as the momma duck. Even then I think its a rare thing to have a happy lap duck (though it happens).

To make friends with my ducks I am very carefull to walk and talk softly around them. I keep a relaxed energy around them and try not to do anything that would make them think I'm stalking them like a predator. When I must corral them I do it gently and talk to them softly while I do it. The same talk I talk while cleaning their pen and food water.

I try to never make them do anything they don't want to. I used to pick them up twice a day to transport them to and from their day pen. Over time they stopped fighting it (and I carried both together to avoid seperation anxiety). But although they grew calm they really didnt like it I'm sure. Now I tilt a Rubbermade Tote on its side and with a gentle nudge they walk right in. They actually seem to like the ride. And as I carry them in the tote, sometimes one of them will place its bill ontop on my hand.. just like they do to each other. They show other signs of affection, like coming to the end of the pen I am sitting at. And they geniunely seem to like seeing me every morning. In the brooding days everytime I came near their pen they would sit down. Now they often walk close and hang out near me. And sometimes they mimick my talking. But they still will go to a corner and sit down sometimes. They need time, patience and respect.

They still are not sure about this new life yet. Its unnatural for them. They need time. I've taken a few oppurtunities to pet their heads and bodies. But only when they seem calm and don't flinch or seem to want to run away. If they run from you don't chase them. Don't pressure them. If you must herd them then do it consistently and do it as calm as you can. Then reassure them with soft talk when its done. Observe them and learn how they are, then respect their nature and modify your behaivor around them to suit. I'm sure they will come around eventually. Though duck friendships may be unique and we just have to accept that they may not be all cuddly like some other pets. Just take them for who they are and roll with it.

 

[c.wilson]

yeah banty hugger that would be great if you could send another pic of (s)he please. and thank you.

 

[BantyHugger]

Here are some more pics of her. She is offically a girl. The boys verified that this morning.

It maybe full blood buff. Here is her dad, Matt.

Buff Orpington Ducks come in many shades. Mine is lighter and looks like many peoples females.

 

[RoyalHillsLLC]

My Muscovy hen loves attention. She squats and pulls her wings back a little asking to be petted or picked up when she sees me. It took time though for her to get accustomed to people. By the time she was 7 or 8 months she was much more gentle.

 

[conny63malies]

I got mine(muscovies) tame by feeding them boiled left over noodles from dinner. they go nuts for it. sit down in a chair with your bowl o noodles and start throwing the noodles towards the ducks , keep throwing them closereand closer to you , pretty sonn they will eat from your hands. You might have to repeat a couple times but it works. Now even my 2 year old can pick my scovies up . Mine are now running to me as soon as they see a plastic bowl in my hands.

 

[c.wilson]

hey banty hugger. mine duck/drake looks like that only where she is light brown mine is dark brown.

 

[BantyHugger]

YAY! We figured out her breed!

My friend took this ones sibling and (s)he is also much darker. I figure she'll get darker as she gets older. Glad i could help.