Wild ducklings

[dishfickle]

Hi all! I have an inquiring mind. That being said, as I was gazing lovingly at my ducklings in their brooder, I had a question pop into my brain. Hens sit on their chicks most of the time to keep them warm. I see mama ducks and their babies cruising along the river all the time, How do they survive? I understand she must keep them warm at night. But that river's COLD...

 

[sourland]

They're well insulated and have a 'heat exchange' mechanism in the blood vessels in their legs.

 

[dishfickle]

They're well insulated and have a 'heat exchange' mechanism in the blood vessels in their legs.

But I cant let my ducks or till they're fully feathered, right? Is it the difference between domestic and wild?

 

[sourland]

Wild are brooded by their mother and get 'oiled' or water proofed from her feathers.