Will 4 week old ducks hatched by duck bond with humans?

[bex1983]

Hi! One of our hens hatched out ducklings about 4 weeks ago. These are not babies I plan to keep and it’s been a very busy time for our family so I’ve let mama duck do all the work. I now have a friend who wants 2 of the ducklings, but will they bond to her and her family members at this point since they have been hatched by a duck therefore imprinting on ducks and not being handled like babies I hatch in an incubator? If so, how does she achieve that? She has waited this long because she wants only females and they are too old to vent sex now so we have to wait for voice change

 

[SolarDuck]

If they are already 4 weeks old and have not been handled by humans at all, it is not likely they will ever bond with humans. That doesn't mean they can't be friendly pets, but they most likely won't ever tolerate being touched.

 

[FL Duck Mom]

My duck & I are best buddies! She's so silly & funny. I got her at Rural King when she was small. I don't see any reson why your friend would have any problems raising your ducks. )

 

[ibarbidahl]

If you really want to ensure she will have pets you'll need to start working with them now.
Food is the key to your ducks hearts. Start by withholding food overnight and feeding them each morning. Stay by the bowl until they wat some, they stay by the bowl the whole time they eat, then touch them as they eat, then pick them up, etc, etc...
In no time they will love humans. Also try mealworms, lettuces sliced into long strings, peas, etc. food. I'm telling you food works.

 

[davez]

I think it is possible to stull get them to be pets. They wont imprint and be underfoot all the time. But they can be friendly and eat out of your hand. They might even tolerate a gentle pet or two. It just takes time and working with them. I agreed with giving treats as ibarbirahl mentioned.