Will my ducks ever “un”imprint?

[Peckins32]

Hello all!
I just registered for this sight, so please forgive me if I’m posting in the wrong place. Back in July, my kids and I hatched 7 Peckin ducklings and we kept 2. They are nearly 3 months old. They sleep in my bathtub at night and stay in the backyard during the day. My question is, is during the day it seems they “scream” and call for me the whole time unless I’m out there with them. They also hid under the stairs rather than exploring. When I go out they quiet down and follow me all around. I’ve done so much research and everything I have read states imprinting only lasts about 2 months. Even though I love them so, I’m also ready for them to become more independent and feel confident when I’m not around. Has anyone heard of imprinting lasting longer than the typical two months? Is there anything I can do to help them gain confidence in independence?
Thank you!

 

[TundraFang]

I'm new to ducks (only had mine for about 5 months) but some of my friends have house ducks. They follow their people around constantly and they scream and hide if they are alone. Not sure if this helps at all but the indoor ducks are portraying the behavior you described in your ducks. I hope someone can give you a better answer

 

[Peckins32]

I'm new to ducks (only had mine for about 5 months) but some of my friends have house ducks. They follow their people around constantly and they scream and hide if they are alone. Not sure if this helps at all but the indoor ducks are portraying the behavior you described in your ducks. I hope someone can give you a better answer

Oh no! Haha don’t tell me that! I would let them yell some but I live in a neighborhood and sure my neighbors thing I’m crazy already thank you for your reply!

 

[Isaac 0]

Keep leaving them alone for longer, and longer periods of time and they will eventually become accustomed to being by themselves. They may also feel the area outside provided for them is too large, and scary, so consider fencing off a smaller area for them with objects they can hide under. As they grow older this should not be a prevalent problem.

 

[TundraFang]

So from a quick Google search it says some ducks will 'wean' themselves off of their imprinted humans over time but in some cases you will have to wean them like Isaac suggested. Keep leaving them for longer periods and make sure they feel safe in their new run. Good luck!

 

[fatty and friends]

my oldest will be 3 in march and is still super imprinted to me lol, 4 out of my 5 ducks are actually imprinted and quack whenever they want attention lol. they will get better about being alone but probably won’t ever like to be without you for too long

 

[Peckins32]

Keep leaving them alone for longer, and longer periods of time and they will eventually become accustomed to being by themselves. They may also feel the area outside provided for them is too large, and scary, so consider fencing off a smaller area for them with objects they can hide under. As they grow older this should not be a prevalent problem.

Thank you! I will start this right away. Im sure they can handle a little crying for bits at a time. My husband has built them a duck house, so I’m hoping as soon as it’s assembled that will help assure them as well. Thank you!

 

[Peckins32]

So from a quick Google search it says some ducks will 'wean' themselves off of their imprinted humans over time but in some cases you will have to wean them like Isaac suggested. Keep leaving them for longer periods and make sure they feel safe in their new run. Good luck!

Where on earth did you find that?! Apparently I am googling the wrong wording because I assure you I have reasearched multiple times . Thanks so much!

 

[Peckins32]

my oldest will be 3 in march and is still super imprinted to me lol, 4 out of my 5 ducks are actually imprinted and quack whenever they want attention lol. they will get better about being alone but probably won’t ever like to be without you for too long

Oh wow! So it is possible for them to always remain imprinted it sounds! Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we have a special bond, but I hate that they’re so upset when left alone. We will work on weaning so they can handle small amounts of time alone, comfortably. Thank you!

 

[Isaac 0]

my oldest will be 3 in march and is still super imprinted to me lol, 4 out of my 5 ducks are actually imprinted and quack whenever they want attention lol. they will get better about being alone but probably won’t ever like to be without you for too long

This is a good example of the variability each individual owner will encounter when trying to "wean" their ducks from their presence. Judging from your profile picture, I presume you spend lots of hours with your ducks; this being the reason you still are seeing this type of behavior at 3 years.

For owners, such as myself, who do not spend excess amounts of time outside with the flock, weaning time is going to be dramatically earlier on in age.