How to Understand Duck Behavior

Flock of ducks in the snow

Most people look at ducks as waterfowl and nothing more. They don't realize that these interesting birds have very unique and unusual personalities. Read on to learn how to understand duck behavior.

Things You'll Need

• All you will need to understand ducks is a little time spent with them, and a keen eye.

Instructions

1. Remove from your mind all previous assumptions regarding ducks--that they waddle but can't run or that all ducks quack. Taking a trip to a nearby waterfowl farm would be a big help as it will give you some hands on experience working with these interesting water birds. Once there, you will discover that ducks have a form of communication that they use amongst themselves and also use to "communicate" with the farmer. Ducks are fairly happy creatures and they have few needs. Food, water, community and more water, plus a clean barn and enclosed pen are usually all it takes to keep them thrilled with life.

2. Once at the farm, ask the farmer if you can walk among the birds. It is unlikely that you will be able to touch them however, as ducks are very shy birds and skittish. You will learn that some of the ducks quack and some do not, which is one classic way to differentiate between the genders. The males do not quack yet the females do. You will watch them swim and bathe, run and sleep and will be surprised to find that ducks are nocturnal creatures, staying awake all night and sleeping in the bright sun of day. You will also find out that they are social birds, preferring to spend time in small flocks rather than in isolation.

3. Take the time to check out the nesting instincts of the ducks. Domestic ducks, although different from the wild versions, still retain much of the same nesting instincts as their wild relatives and ancestors. You will discover that ducks will store their eggs until they have accumulated a certain amount, and then they will incubate them. Some ducks will hide their eggs, buried under pine needles, grass, dirt or even feathers. They are very clever about choosing their hiding places, picking spots that are extremely difficult to find under the best circumstances.

4. Watch the ducks as they bathe, to discover the secrets of joyful splashing and watch them do their quirky little mating rituals, both before, during and after the act. Watch them preen and oil their feathers and you will discover why water droplets simply roll right off their backs like they are waterproof and impervious. You will discover that ducks will bathe quite happily in any amount of water, even a tiny mud puddle. In fact, the muddier the better as you will find that ducks seldom drink clean water.

5. Spend time talking to the farmer and learn what things ducks love to eat, like lettuce, cabbage and freshly unearthed worms. Find out how to help domestic ducks remain healthy and happy. Help him muck out the barn and discover how much work raising ducks really is. All of these things are useful in your quest towards understanding duck behavior. Finally, you may want to do some research either on-line or in books written specifically for that purpose. Never go into duck farming without knowing what you are up against. The cost of feed, bedding and emergency care are all important issues that need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you wear old shoes when you enter the duck enclosure. Their manure is very messy and you don't want it on your good shoes.

• If you should happen to catch a duck, do not grab it around the middle if it is a hen. This could cause an egg to break inside the duck and kill her. Pick her up by the mid-joint of her wings instead.

• Never grab a duck by its legs as the leg joints are very fragile and easily broken.

Resources

• Ducks website