Daring Ducklings Take Leap Of Faith To Reach Mama Duck

These little guys are pretty brave ducklings. Compared to their actual size that seems like a pretty huge jump to make. I get why the last duckling took his time with that jump. Even if you see all of your brothers and sisters make the leap safely there is always that fearful part of yourself that gives you pause. I mean, that is a big jump for such a little dude. Fortunately, for us he takes the dive and connects back with his mother.

We did not know about how duck moms treat their babies so we did a little bit of research. We don’t know if you knew this but ducks are generally monogamous. For some species that bond only lasts for a year. For others the pair-bond can last a number of years. Ducks tend to breed once a year during spring, summer or the wet seasons. Mother ducks make a nest before breeding but abandon it after their ducklings hatch when they then lead the babies to water.

For the most part, mother ducks are very caring and protective of their young. However, they are also more than willing to abandon some of their ducklings, especially if they get physically stuck in an area that can’t get out of. This happens if they put their nests in enclosed spaces like courtyards. Sickness and genetic defects will also cause the baby ducks to be abandoned. Some ducklings get orphaned because they hatched late after the mom has already led her other ducklings to water. Strangely, domesticated ducks are not as caring about their eggs or ducklings. Domesticated ducks are almost a whole different animal though.