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10 AMAZING FACTS
ABOUT DUCKS
Did you know that all ducks have highly
waterproof feathers?
15.2.2022

Ducks are a group of species of water birds –

relatively small in size and with shorter necks
than their close cousins of swans and geese.
Along with their longer necked cousins, they
make up the biological family of Anatidae.
Humans have had a long relationship with
members of this family by being economically
and culturally important to us. Ducks, in
particular, have been domesticated to be
exploited for their feathers, eggs and meat.

All ducks have highly waterproof

feathers. A duck's feathers are so
waterproof that even when the
duck dives underwater, the downy
underlayer of feathers right next to
the skin will stay completely dry.

Ducks are omnivorous and will eat

grass, aquatic plants, insects,
seeds, fruit, fish, crustaceans and
other types of food.

Ducklings younger than 10 days

tend to swim and walk as a group,
always close to their mother, to
avoid the attack of predators.

Most duck species are

monogamous for a breeding
season but they do not often mate
for life. Instead, they will seek out
new mates each year, choosing the
healthiest, strongest, best mate
who can help them pass on their
genes to a new duckling
generation.

Ducks are outgoing, social animals

who feel most at ease when they're
in a larger group of other ducks.

Ducks are birds. Ducks are also

called ‘waterfowl’ because they are
normally found in places where
there is water like ponds, streams,
and rivers.

Ducks can live up to 20 years,

depending on the species and if
well cared for.

The production of eggs is affected

by daylight. When there is more
daylight, the ducks will lay more
eggs. To prevent this from
happening, farmers use artificial
lighting so that the ducks have
about 17 hours of light a day to
produce eggs efficiently.

The eggs will hatch within 28 days

normally, except for the Muscovy
duck which takes about 35 days to
hatch. The mother duck will keep
her brood of ducklings together to
protect them from predators.

Ducks have been domesticated as

pets and farm animals for more
than 500 years, and all domestic
ducks are descended from either
the mallard or the Muscovy duck.
Mallards, especially, are easy to
crossbreed with other types of
ducks, and mallards often hybridise
with all types of ducks at local
ponds.

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