Duck Projects

Ducks are a popular type of waterfowl, smaller than swans and geese, and are usually found in both fresh water and salt water. Wild ducks tend to like marshy areas where they can also feed and raise young. There are a variety of duck species and many have become domesticated, being raised on farms and also in parks and zoos. For those who are interested in these aquatic birds, there are a multitude of projects you can take part in from conservation projects to 4-H projects.

  1. Feeding the Ducks

    • If you live in an area that has a park or a petting zoo, chances are there will be ducks there. Feeding the ducks can be a fun activity for all ages. Ducks will eat foods such as fruit cut into small pieces. Bread is not considered to be a good food for ducks as it can get stuck in their craw. You can also purchase duck feed at local farm supply stores. If the ducks are friendly, then might even take the food directly from your hand. Otherwise you can scatter it on the ground and watch as the ducks gather around to eat.

    Conservation Projects

    • Check in your area to see if there are any types of conservation projects regarding ducks. For example, in Iowa, wood ducks are in danger of extinction because of the clearing of timber for farmlands. Many people are becoming involved in building habitats for the ducks to help them regrow their numbers. Check with your local extension office to find out if there are any projects in your area and how you can become involved.

    School Duck Projects

    • Teachers can take a group of students to the park or to a petting zoo to see and feed ducks and can then incorporate this into the classroom. Students can read books about ducks and look at different duck artifacts such as duck feathers and duck callers to show the different types of sounds ducks make. They can look at photos of different types of ducks and discuss the similarities and differences, as well as study about wild ducks in their natural habitat. The teacher can also contact a local farm or hatchery to see if it would be willing to bring baby ducks to the classroom for the students to watch. This is an excellent project to do while studying about zoology, biology or different types of animal habitats.

    4-H Projects

    • There are 4-H clubs all over the United States for school-age children through age 18. Children involved in 4-H are required to participate in a certain number of projects each year. The projects can cover a wide array of interests from sewing and baking, to forestry and livestock and also include poultry such as ducks. Children who choose a duck project can obtain baby ducks to raise from their local extension office. They will also have project books where they can learn how to raise ducks, what to feed ducks and how to show duck in county fairs.