My ducks think they’re my boyfriends . How to break that bond

[Thatrealjanedoe]

I have 2 Muscovy drakes (Amun’Ra && Horus) whom I’ve had since birth . They are 11 months old and completely domesticated. They live indoor and sometimes sleeps at the foot of my bed they have access to anywhere in the house as well as the backyard . They do not like being outside not in water I took them to a lake and amin acted like I tired to kill him which Horus washed up before simply swimming out . I didn’t not clip there wings so they both have experienced some flight however Amun developed angle wings early on so he’s more do a jumper . They are always under my feet sometimes I forget and almost step on them . They fight sometimes but when I separate them act like they will die without each other . They are very territorial over each other however very territorial with each other over me . I spend an equal amount of time with them considering they live indoors however one is more affectionate then the other . At first I thought I imprinted on one and then he imprinted on the other because the other has more of his bird instincts in a way like he flashes he wewe where as I have never seen Amun’s . When his diaper falls off he’ll come tell me whereas Horus will just walk around free . I take them everywhere even give them kisses . Play with them every chance I get sometimes it’s too much for them && they run lol however I have noticed more how Amun will not let me touch or talk to Horus without inserting him self and has become more territorial tho Horus doesn’t back down. I no longer think they think I’m their more . What should I do ?

 

[SkyAJK]

I have 2 Muscovy drakes (Amun’Ra && Horus) whom I’ve had since birth . They are 11 months old and completely domesticated. They live indoor and sometimes sleeps at the foot of my bed they have access to anywhere in the house as well as the backyard . They do not like being outside not in water I took them to a lake and amin acted like I tired to kill him which Horus washed up before simply swimming out . I didn’t not clip there wings so they both have experienced some flight however Amun developed angle wings early on so he’s more do a jumper . They are always under my feet sometimes I forget and almost step on them . They fight sometimes but when I separate them act like they will die without each other . They are very territorial over each other however very territorial with each other over me . I spend an equal amount of time with them considering they live indoors however one is more affectionate then the other . At first I thought I imprinted on one and then he imprinted on the other because the other has more of his bird instincts in a way like he flashes he wewe where as I have never seen Amun’s . When his diaper falls off he’ll come tell me whereas Horus will just walk around free . I take them everywhere even give them kisses . Play with them every chance I get sometimes it’s too much for them && they run lol however I have noticed more how Amun will not let me touch or talk to Horus without inserting him self and has become more territorial tho Horus doesn’t back down. I no longer think they think I’m their more . What should I do ?

I think you are their world and they competing for your attention.

I have 2 little dogs are like that. When one is stopping the other one from being hold by me, I gently push that one aside and tell him NO. I hug them individually and sometimes together. I just don't think much about it, and they go on their life as usual, running around, follow me in the garden..etc. They are not indoor with me.

 

[Thatrealjanedoe]

I think you are their world and they competing for your attention.

I have 2 little dogs are like that. When one is stopping the other one from being hold by me, I gently push that one aside and tell him NO. I hug them individually and sometimes together. I just don't think much about it, and they go on their life as usual, running around, follow me in the garden..etc. They are not indoor with me.

Thank you for getting back to me . I always tells Amun no bad boy he’s your brother don’t be like that he loses his mind if he bring bad and hours gets to stay inside with me . He rams against the door very hard multiple times until I let him in . He doesn’t mind if he’s the one on the inside of the glass tho . I love both of them very much seeing as tho they came at a difficult time in my life . They are the kids I will never have however I also feel like they are TOO connected to me they go out there way to mess up the house if I don’t take them out with me but they don’t always like going out . I don’t want to damage them further and I maybe rearing too much into it it’s all just new . I wanted them outside but accidentally waited too long to stop brooding

 

[KathiQuacks]

You hanging out with them too much is what is causing this behavior. While it’s nice to have ducks who are bonded to you; They hang out with you, follow you, cuddle, etc., it also means they can’t bear to be without you, which isn’t healthy for them mentally.

If you want them more bonded to each other, you’ll need to stop hanging out with them so much. They should hang out with each other as much as possible and only be separated if necessary. You could also try getting them to live outdoors again.

If you do get them living outside, you’ll need to build them their own coop to sleep in overnight and may want to start clipping their wings.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Agreed. When ducks bond and imprint on other flock members they get severe anxiety without them. That is what they have done with you. The only way to fix the situation is to remove yourself and allow them to solely bond with each other. If you don’t things will continue the way they have been. It’s ultimately up to you, but there really is no in-between with imprinted male ducks. They will remain bonded to you and act how they have been as long as you are spending time with them. Imprinted females it’s a little different and they tend to be less territorial with imprinted humans. Males are well males haha

 

[Thatrealjanedoe]

Agreed. When ducks bond and imprint on other flock members they get severe anxiety without them. That is what they have done with you. The only way to fix the situation is to remove yourself and allow them to solely bond with each other. If you don’t things will continue the way they have been. It’s ultimately up to you, but there really is no in-between with imprinted male ducks. They will remain bonded to you and act how they have been as long as you are spending time with them. Imprinted females it’s a little different and they tend to be less territorial with imprinted humans. Males are well males haha

Thank you both so much . That’s kinda what I thought it was and i originally tied that but then i started to feel like te odd duck out but I’m starting to get there is no I between and I honestly get anxiety when I’m away from them more then 8 hours I never spend the night out if I do they come too we a package deal I guess I’ll just enjoy it a little bit longer but eventually things will slowly have to change