If you watch ducks closely, you will notice that they spend a good part of their day grooming their feathers. This behavior is called preening, and it is far more important than simple tidying up. Preening keeps feathers waterproof, aligned,…
Keeping a flock of pet ducks means learning to recognize each bird as an individual, but sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially when several look alike. Duck markings and leg bands are simple tools that help owners identify their…
Calcium may not be the most glamorous nutrient, but it’s one of the most important for ducks. Whether you’re raising ducklings, caring for pet drakes, or supporting laying hens, getting calcium right can make the difference between thriving ducks and…
When you live with ducks, you quickly realize just how remarkable their bodies are. From the soft waterproof feathers that keep them cozy on a rainy day to the wide bills that sift through water for tasty morsels, every part…
Feeding ducks seems simple—after all, they’ll happily gobble up almost anything you offer. But as a duck mom and a scientist, I’ve learned that “what ducks will eat” and “what ducks should eat” are two very different things. A big…
Just like us, ducks thrive on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet—but sometimes, their daily feed doesn’t cover everything they need. While high-quality commercial duck or waterfowl feed is designed to meet most nutritional requirements, certain situations call for a little extra…
There’s something uniquely soothing about the gentle quacks and soft feathers of a duck. For many of us, our pet ducks aren’t just backyard companions—they’re family. In my case, one of my ducks, Krümel, is officially my emotional support animal…
Have you ever had a duckling hatch with a completely unexpected color? Maybe you were sure you’d get another yellow fluffball, and instead out popped a dark chocolate duckling or one with wild speckles you’ve never seen before. If so,…
A Road Trip Adventure with Krümel Traveling with a pet duck isn’t something you see every day, but we did it. From Dallas, Texas, all the way to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and back again, we took Krümel, one of our…