Factfile

Most breeds of domestic duck descended from the wild mallard and have been domesticated for approximately 2,000 years. The exception is the Muscovy breed, also known as the ‘Barbary,’ which originated from South America and is thought to be the oldest domesticated waterfowl. 

Ducks are waterfowl and, under natural conditions, spend a large amount of time in and around water. They also spend a lot of time performing complex preening behaviours to clean their feathers and to re-distribute oil onto them from a gland above their tail. This keeps them waterproof and helps to control their body temperature.

Ducks are omnivores, feeding on plants, seeds, insects and worms and feed by foraging on land or in water.

Did you know?

In the case of common commercial breeds of farmed duck, only female ducks can ‘quack’ properly. Males make a gassy, hissing noise!