Here's an interesting question? Well, I've been raising Muscovy ducks for about two years now, but I'm still new at it. Although I know alot about them, I am having an issue. I incubate my eggs, and choose to raise the babies in the house, until they get feathers, or are ready to go outside. I imprinted on a particular four ducklings, we had a blast. They jumped up and down, for me to hold them. I loved it. But as time grew on, they began to become more skiddish of me, and in a two day period I'm suddenly a monster to them. It's like they saw jack the ripper or something. I'm not by any means abusive to my ducks. I'm not quick moving, I'm very come, around them. They all have toys, I've even taught some how to play ball with their beaks. ( I got that on video) I know what I'm doing, to a point, with ducks, but I just can't figure out why my 7 month old ducks are terrified of me, so much so that when I go to hold them, one of them freezes. I'm all ears, cause I can't figure this one out. See there not ducklings anymore, their feathers are almost full grown. It's almost time to clip their wings. I have the same schedule everyday, haven't got a hair cut, or died my hair, nothing has changed. I just can't figure it out. I always talk and interact with my ducks, and play with them. I have ducks that love me. I'm a duck person, just not for these oñes, I guess. Is there something I can do, is there a magic answer.Ducklings around that age go through a "scared of things taller than I" stage that can last for weeks. It is good advice to take some time, sit with the duckling, bring something quiet to do if you get easily bored, and bring treats. Loads of treats. My ducks like thawed frozen peas and lettuce.
Talk quietly, sing, and be patient. Of my eleven ducks, three or four are huggers, no one likes being picked up but most tolerate it pretty well, all are friendly.