How To Raise Friendly Ducks That Like To Be Handled
- Hold them a lot as soon as possible! Whenever you have a free moment where you could possibly handle them do it! Moments you are watching TV or working on your computer can double as moments when you are working with your ducklings.
- Feed them by hand. You can remove the feeder for a few hours and then feed them by hand before returning it to the brooder. Also feeding them treats by hand like peas, mealworms or sardines will get them used to being handled and they will begin to recognize that people mean treats are on the way!
- Talk to them whenever you are near them. This will get them comfortable with your voice and they will recognize it as safe.
- Never chase or allow your ducks to be chased. This is the quickest way to break trust with your ducks and undo all the work you have been doing.
- I like to start my ducklings off in the house. I know that may sound strange but it’s so they get used to being around humans. The bonus is that they can hear us throughout the day. In the long run it keeps me from having to go trekking around the backyard in the middle of the night so I can hold them while I work on my laptop.
- Have other people handle them as well, and give them treats so they won’t just come to you and scatter when anyone else is around.
Snag your free copy of our book Back To Our Roots filled with tips, advice, on gardening and raising animals and wholesome recipes HERE.
Want to know more about raising ducks? Try these!
Or check out the rest of our Duck keeping articles.
Have you ever raised ducks? Did we miss anything? Tell us your tips in the comments!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”2″]