Will our ducks ever "NOT" think that we are axe murders?

[AimToMisbehave]

I've had good luck with koi food pellets for my group of 2 week old runners. They're still a little skittish at first, but one of them is a total glutton, and the others follow right behind It's done wonders to relax them, and I've also found that they're way more comfortable around me if I'm talking to them.

 

[ducks1959]

I am so glad you brought terrified pet poultry into B.Y.C.. My old ducks were like faithful dogs,but the seven mallards I have now treat like I am a wolf. I do not know why. Now they do run in and out of the house at night when the back door is left open but leave during the day and won't come near me' I feel like I'm in those trashy old paper back books" Hated By Day But Loved At Night". I even discussed the issue with my psychologist to know avail. Please, let me know if you find any answerrs Tom

 

[Amiga]

I am so glad you brought terrified pet poultry into B.Y.C.. My old ducks were like faithful dogs,but the seven mallards I have now treat like I am a wolf. I do not know why. Now they do run in and out of the house at night when the back door is left open but leave during the day and won't come near me' I feel like I'm in those trashy old paper back books" Hated By Day But Loved At Night". I even discussed the issue with my psychologist to know avail. Please, let me know if you find any answerrs Tom

How old are they?

 

[ducks1959]

These juvenile delinquents are about seven weeks old and growing. I live in eastern Washington and I wonder if the smoke is not causing them a fight or fly syndrome. What do you think?

 

[Amiga]

I think the smoke is definitely exacerbating a known trait among many mallard-derived domestic ducks. From about the age of 3 weeks, to about 3 months, their instincts regarding threats are in hyperdrive. Mine went literally overnight from friendly to fearful. Like that.

What you can do is recognize this physiological stage of development and work with it as best you can. From the helpful members of this forum I learned:

Do not surprise them. As you approach, before they can see you, make a gentle reassuring noise. I used to consistently say duck,duck, duck as I approached the brooder. Every time.

Do not corner them if at all possible. Cornering really sent mine. So I set things up so that I could herd them out of the brooder into the hallway for brooder cleanup time. Their first three weeks I worked around them and they were fine. When the fear hormones kicked in, for their own safety I let them out while I worked.

Spend time near them. Take the laptop near them, bring a book, your crochet project, your guitar or flute. Sit - anything towering over them is fearful. I would lie down near them and just chat sometimes.

Approach as low as you can. Yup, I crawled on my belly. I am not proud.

Remember it is a phase, it passes.

My flock is quite friendly. None like to be picked up, but most will come right up to me and stand on my feet, or lean against me. Some like to be hugged.

Treats are a big benefit - thawed frozen peas, lettuce, dandelion, chickweed, kiwi leaves, mealworms, a little dry cat kibble . . . . You can offer this during their heightened fear stage. Just don't expect them to come close to you. Roll the peas toward them. Set the greens a few feet away from you.

Remember they are ducks. They cannot help it, but they can get through it if you can keep it gentle, predictable, and positive for them.

 

[crys4nr]

I got 6 Welsh Harlequins and they did the same thing bonded to each other and not me, no matter how much handling I did with them when they were little. I got one to cuddle after holding for a couple of minutes, and when they were old enough to go outside, that was it, I was an axe murder. I have gotten them to walk next to me, but if I bend over they run. Lots of peas and showers with the hoses have gotten me to be acceptable if I'm standing, and I'm even better if my back is turned to them. It's a work in progress, unfortunately I'm battling sexually aggressive drakes at the moment, so I'm a little less favorable. I'm hoping to rehome some drakes, I didn't think it was "too bad" and some of it would pass, but I have a girl that's really hurt, so now I'm borderline axe murdering trying to separate them out. Hopefully, when I get this all figured out, I can go back to working on being acceptable, and maybe surpass it.

 

[ducks1959]

Dear cry4nr. I live in Eastern Wash. Too. Look at what Amiga says about smoke and approaching ducks. I suspected the smoke was driving my ducks to flee me she seems has more insight on what animals go through. Good luck Tom

 

[Amykins]

Oh, dear...you both live in Eastern Washington? I'm in King County, and even we're having problems with the smoke! I hope you guys are all doing okay, and you don't have any loved ones who've lost anything to the fire. :/ At least we got some desperately needed thunderstorms today.

 

[ducks1959]

It has been horrible here for weeks. I do not remember when I saw the sun or stars last. Everyone, I know is terribly concerned about the people and animals that must refugee out to who knows where. Many will return someday to assess their property damage but for too many it will be charred memories. The fire crews are working around the clock under the worse conditions All will need your prayer. Thank you Tom T

 

[ajallchorn]

This post really made me chuckle - mine were exactly the same! I talk to mine a LOT - all of my neighbours think I'm nuts. I get the strangest looks!!!

They're now 4 and a half months old and much more comfortable around me. Whenever I come in to the garden and they don't see me I talk or whistle (I always whistle back to them when they quack at me so they always know it's me if I whistle!) I often just sit in the garden and let them carry on around me - I found that this made them more used to it and now whenever I sit out in the garden they always come running over which they never did at first! Treats are a HUGE yes!! I only have to rustle a bag inside the house and they come hooting round to the back door! They're wary of people other than me, my partner and my mum but if they have food in their hands, they'll make temporary friends for the benefit of their stomachs!!

It takes a little while and we're still improving now but it's so worth it!