Ducks are one of my favorite birds to raise. I’m really not sure if there is anything cuter then their sweet little bills and webbed feet. Honestly, it gets me every time!
We just added three more little cuties to our flock so we thought we’d share with you some tips on raising friendly ducks. Just in case you know, you end up at your local feed store like we did…
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.
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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!
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