How to gather ducklings for cuddles without chasing them??

[Miss Lydia]

It's Cheddar, of course, @Miss Lydia. I've realized she's mean because she doesn't want anyone to be physically between us. Silly, overprotective duckie.
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What a little stinker! and a cute one too.

 

[telandra2]

In the early spring I would lay on my stomach on the grass reading and the 5 little ones would come up to nibble on clothes and cuddle for warmth. They grew out of it and ran away as adults.

 

[Az OEGB]

I don’t raise ducks but I do raise chickens most birds in my opinion don’t want to be handled

 

[Mucky Boots]

Wow, so many replies! Thanks everyone!

I've attached a couple of pics...btw the paint tray has been scrubbed thoroughly!

They do come and play around me, and nibble my hand if my hand is looking innocent - but the moment I reach out to pick up or pat, they scatter! Last night I put them in their indoor dry night tub (they're easier to pick up out of that) and just took two at a time to cuddle for a while. I guess I had a false impression it would be like the one I rescued before, which loved cuddles and would run after me - I should have expected a group of six to rely more on each other.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Your lone one had imprinted on you, since there were no other ducks around. this batch, indeed, relies more on each other. Cute little boogers, lol! I like the one with the stripe down it's face!

btw, even if you scrubbed that paint tray, there may still be toxins left depending on what kind of paint was used in it. Maybe purchase a new one, instead? I never would have thought of something like that for a duckling pool, but it's a great idea!

 

[Mucky Boots]

Yes they are too cute for their own good The one with a head stripe is self chocolate.

The paint is very old and tough outdoor paint, and the water isn't in it for long before changing, but you're right - I should get a new one just in case. It makes an awesome ducky bath with the ramp, and keeps most of the water actually in the pool, would you believe!

 

[Buttercup725]

I have three ducklings and they were easier to handle all at once when they were a week old. Now I usually just cuddle one at a time since they’re squirmier now. It’s also less poop to clean up off of yourself lol.

 

[Miss Lydia]

When mine were tiny we would sit on the floor and let them run around they always came over to where were are and let us snuggle them. They would climb all over my dh too.