lhbb3 Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Hello, Our aylesbury ducklings are getting on well but I'm a bit concerned about bonding with them as they're already older and starting to get feathers.....one of them has started pecking our fingers and lunging its head over our hand etc....it doesn't appear to be anything nasty because it quickly calms down and will fall asleep in our hands. I've tried to find out what it means when a duck does this, some said that it was playful, loving behaviour whilst others said its aggressive. It was late at night when they started doing this so.....(hope I don't sound stupid saying this!) thought they might have been tired and wanted to be put to bed? Anyway, any advice or info would be lovely. Thanks, Lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duck Mad Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Hi Lauren.. its always good to get different opinions, then firgure out yourself the rest I had both sex ducks doing this lunging, all I can make of it, its just their way of playing and affection, theres not many ways a duck can express such happiness.. If your ducks fall asleep on you its hardly likey they are going to agressive towards you.. They do nibble at fingers, im sure they just like to feel you!. Personally when i first seen this lunging I did think omg why is this duck going for me? but how wrong could i be, its excitment, example... fresh water in the bath tub, always made them lunge to my arm, the tell tale its excitment is because ducks clearly get excited in fresh clean water, their behaviour is exactly the same out of the water, which shows its a happy sign... My advice don't let the ducks grip ur skin, because they will just do it out of habbit, Hold their beak gentle but firm and say NOOO loud.. they will get the idea to stop.. Just remember your bigger than the duck, so ducks just need to be taught x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodturner Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Although I have just got my first hens and am a real novice with chickens, I have been an Indian runner duck breeder for 15 years. It is not uncommon for ducklings to do this and it is natural behaviour for three reasons - 1. you have perhaps moved too quickly or disturbed them and so they are defending themselves/telling you to go away - 2. they see this 'thing' being poked at them so they test it out with their bills (which is what they use as they do not have hands!) - 3. they think you are putting food in front of them. Some ducks (drakes are the worste culprits) never grow out of the habit and try to peck all the time, some do it as a sign of affection when the see you and some never do it once they are in feather. I had one duck which used to jump onto my lap, give me a one, light peck on the nose and then go to sleep! Lots of gentle handling, no sudden movements, no raised voices, always pick them up correctly, talk to them a lot and they should learn. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
