The behavior of domestic ducks

To successfully raise domestic ducks, it is important to know how they behave. Here you will find the main elements that will allow you to promote their well-being.

The footprints of the ducklings

The ducks identify the first person they see who speaks to them in a soft voice like their mother and will start following him. It’s the footprint, ‘printing‘ in English.

This is especially useful for raising calm and confident ducklings. Indeed, they can be frightened if you do not take precautions.

From a certain degree of maturity, the imprint disappears and they begin to follow their own path and to socialize.

The flock of ducks

Ducks can be herded together, for example by stretching out their arms. This is truer for some breeds than for others. For example, Mallards group together easily, while Muscovy ducks tend to disperse like hens.

Breeders use a long bamboo stick for larger assemblies. At night, you can guide them with a flashlight, illuminating the way to their home.

The pecking order of the ducks

A group of ducks will define a pecking order which will define a pecking order. This hierarchical order can be called into question if there is a newcomer, who will have to fight to find his place. It is not necessary, except if the conflict escalates, to separate the combatants: it is a natural behavior which maintains, in the long term, the peace of the group.

In principle, this is the only case where there will be conflict, the ducks being of a peaceful nature. However, there can also be problems if there are too many males or if there is not enough room for everyone.

domestic ducks mating

Male ducks can fertilize multiple females in one mating season. For the health and safety of the females, it is best to leave only the males you want to mate with and put the others away. A male can effectively fertilize about 4 to 7 females.

Note that water promotes sexual activity in ducks. They prefer to breed in water.

Nesting of domestic ducks

In the wild, wild ducks will create a small depression in the ground with their paws, then line it with branches, grass, and moss. As it fills, the bird can also add its own feathers and down, to better protect it from the cold.

It is important to give domestic ducks a suitable place to nest.

Muscovy ducks can use boxes at ground level, but prefer when elevated.