Domestic Ducks

Domesticated waterfowl found worldwide. Most breeds are derived from the Mallard and were domesticated in Southeast Asia and China thousands of years ago.

Omnivorous foragers.

• Wild: Grains, aquatic plants, insects, and snails.
• Zoo: Waterfowl pellets, cracked corn, and leafy greens.

• Wild: N/A (Domestic)
• Captivity: 8 – 12 years

• Waterproof: They possess a uropygial gland (preen gland) near their tail that produces oil to waterproof their feathers.
• Flightless: Many domestic breeds have been bred to be too heavy to fly long distances.
• Quacking: Usually, only the female ducks quack loudly; males make a quieter, raspy sound.