The Poultry Keeper

Smudge · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Henhouse

Hi All

some advice please Smile

I ended up with 4 ducklings today - lovely little things - but they are petrified of me. I've bought in nervous chickens before - but these little things are almost killing themselves to get away from me. I have put them in a secure stable for the night with food and water and they all piled into the furthest corner and had heart attacks each.

Whats the best way to tame them please? at the moment i feel guilty for even looking at them Surprised

debcat · Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

how old are they,
all ducklings go through a humans are nasty stage, usually about 6 - 8 weeks old
if you spend time with them once they have settled down they will get tamer
food works wonders

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1032 Location: Cornwall

Leave a radio on for them too, they like music, so do chickens lol

james419 · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

Talk to them when ever you are near so theyget used to the sound of your voice - if they answer in understandablk english - next stop Ebay ot Has england got Talent!

Smudge · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Henhouse

thanks

put them on the lawn today where they all huddled together and looked suspicious. they did get up and chase away our chick though who stole a piece of bread. they're getting there - sloooooowly

debcat · Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

ducklings seem to be really tame the first few weeks then go through a phase where all humans are seen as evil
once you get past this they settle down really well as long as yuou have kept going during the Twisted Evil

stage