How can I get my ducklings to like me?

[New Momma]

We bought some ducklings from tractor supply that cant be more than a few days old I want to know how i can get the ducks to like me and not be scared?

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Give them lots of TLC, and give them treats with your hand.

 

[Finny]

I would start by sitting next next to their brooder and talk to them (reading them a book is a great way for them to get used to your voice.) For their first week of life they can only recognize people by voice. Also try bringing them into a small room with you and let them run around. Sit on the floor and let them some to you, never chase them. Handle them as much as you can when they are in the brooder (so you are not chasing them.) They may freak out at first about hands coming towards them, but if you handle them enough they don't mind the hands and will eventually let you pet them and hold them. It takes a lot of patience and time. Treats help too . Good luck!

 

[cosbackyard]

I think that most ducks aren't going to be affectionate. You can get them to tolerate you but they're not snuggly.
Once they turn teenagers they'll bolt from you like you're king kong. Your best bet is lots of exposure. I pick mine up, even though they don't like it. But they do come running for treats. They love them so much that they follow me around, which is good enough for me.

 

[Finny]

My ducks will follow me and nibble at my hair and clothing. They will also come into my lap and let me pet them if I am sitting down. I have to disagree with cosbackyard about ducks not being affectionate. They can be very affectionate! But cosbackyard is right in the sense that they are not so cuddly. If you raise a lone duck, then it is completely different. My lone duck is EXTREMELY cuddly! He will snuggle next to me and bury his bill in my clothes. He loves being pet, and he would not want to be anywhere with out me. It is the cutest thing!

 

[pinusresinosa]

You have to handle them a lot and everything you do with them has to be positive so that they associate you with good things. Like, treat giving, if you pick them up make sure you take them somewhere fun like the kitchen sink full of water and tasty greens for them to nibble. Good treats for ducks are those freeze dried mealworms. My ducks go nuts for those. Talk to them a lot and be gentle. Be the food giver only. Stuff like that.

 

[Dancinbaer]

I read somewhere it could take up to a year for ducks to get used to you. We got our two Rouens last June. As others have indicated, I picked them up against their will, talked to them or sometimes just pet them while they are cornered with no place to run. Well, a few weeks ago I was straddling the ramp to the coop looking for eggs, the male walked up the ramp between my legs and stopped so I could pet him. When I left the coop and walked back to the house he was right on my heels. Since then, I visit them every morning before work and afternoon after work. He walks over to me, I talk to them while petting him and he then follows me back to the house. Even though I walk at a normal pace, he keeps right up to me sometimes bumping into my leg. Yesterday, I slowed down a little, he ran right between my legs. The female is just starting to come around also.

 

[farmgirlsomeday]

What kinds of treats do ducklings like? I tried sunflower seeds tonight and she just looked at me like I was crazy and waddled away ;-)

 

[Finny]

What kinds of treats do ducklings like? I tried sunflower seeds tonight and she just looked at me like I was crazy and waddled away ;-)

After a week old all ducks love dried mealworms! I have never heard of a duck who doesn't. Also, mashed up peas work well too for ducklings.