PhD Scientist, Duck Mom, & Your Guide to Evidence-Based Duck Care

I’m Melanie, a PhD scientist, college professor, and dedicated Duck Mom. At Ducks of Providence, I bridge the gap between rigorous scientific research and the messy, rewarding reality of raising a backyard flock in North Texas

My Roots: From Germany to the Backyard Flock

My love for ducks isn’t just a hobby; it’s rooted in my DNA. I grew up on a small homestead in Germany, surrounded by ducks, chickens, and rabbits. That early connection to the land and its creatures stayed with me even as my career took me across the ocean to Texas over a decade ago.

For years, living in apartments meant my life was missing that piece of my heart that only animals can fill. When my husband (‘Duck Dad’) and I finally bought our home in North Texas, I knew exactly what was missing. We started our flock in 2021, and today, you’ll notice many of our ducks carry German names, a tribute to my heritage and the journey that brought us here.

My Flock: Why They Are My Family

I don’t have human children; my ducks are my children. From the moment Emma, Hertha, and Schnatterinchen arrived as day-old ducklings, they became the center of my world. We’ve since expanded our family with rescues like Simon, Penny, and Ronja, and our ‘part-time house ducks’ Krümel and Muffin, who spend their nights tucked safely inside with us.

I know the unique joy of a duckling imprinting on your heart, and I know the profound heartbreak of losing a family member, like our beloved Penny and Hertha. Because I love them so deeply, I am unwilling to settle for ‘good enough’ care. I treat their health, safety, and happiness with the same fierce dedication any mother would give her child.

The Scientist’s Approach to Duck Care

This is where my heart meets my training. As a PhD Chemist and College Professor with a background in Biomedical Engineering, I have an insatiable curiosity and a high standard for evidence. When I first started my journey as a duck mom, I was frustrated by the lack of data-backed resources.

I decided to apply the scientific method to my own backyard. I trade my chemistry journals for avian veterinary textbooks and peer-reviewed research. Whether I’m analyzing the chemical safety of treats, engineering a predator-proof habitat, or gathering global data through The Great Duck Survey, I am committed to providing the community with evidence-based advice. I don’t just share what ‘seems’ to work; I share what is proven to work through research and hands-on experience.

Why This Blog?

When I first brought my ducks home, I did what any scientist would do: I looked for the data. I wanted a clear, evidence-based roadmap for keeping them healthy and safe. Instead, I found a lot of conflicting advice and very few resources that treated pet ducks with the same medical and emotional seriousness as dogs or cats.

It all started quite by accident on social media. I originally created an Instagram account for our ducks because I didn’t want to spam my personal friends with endless cute duck pictures! Little did I know how much the world loves ducks. Within just one year, our account grew to nearly 25,000 followers.

As I began receiving the same questions over and over about duck care, I realized that Instagram captions weren’t enough. I started this blog and our YouTube channel to be the permanent resource I couldn’t find, a place where pet duck owners are taken seriously and where advice is backed by real research and hands-on experience.

This blog is my way of advocating for ducks everywhere. By combining my scientific training with my daily life in the duck run, I want to simplify the complex parts of duck care, from health crises to habitat engineering, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the unique joy these birds bring to our lives.

Well…that is our story. We hope this page is helpful for you, whether you are a newbie or an experienced duck owner.

Ready to Dive In? Explore Our Libraries

• New to Ducks? Start your journey with my Beginner’s Duck Keeping Handbook.
• Health & Anatomy: Access my researched Medical & Anatomy Library.
• Building a Home: Get the blueprints from our Housing & Environment Guide.
• Food & Treats: Optimize their diet with the Feeding & Nutrition Directory.
• Behavior & Stories: Decode your flock in the Community & Behavior Guide.

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Do you have questions, comments, or a specific topic you’d like me to research? Or perhaps a business inquiry? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us here.