Ducks at Knockhatch

Ducklings at Knockhatch

Young ducklings can feed themselves as soon as they reach water they do however need to learn what they can and can not eat. For a few days they stick close to their mother as they depend on her for warmth and security, they can easily get cold. Mum broods them regularly (protects the young by covering with the wings) this is particularly so at night when it gets colder.  The down of the ducklings is not naturally waterproof.  Ducklings get the waterproofing for their down from their mother.  Ducklings take 50-60 days to fly and become independent. They are able to breed when they are a year old. 

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