Stages of Developing Baby Ducks

Ducklings develop very quickly in order to survive on their own in the wild. Duck mating season begins in April, as the female duck begins to build her nest and mates with the male duck. A mother duck must successfully raise and rear her chicks while taking care of herself. Ducks develop differently based on their breeds, however, maturation processes are similar across breeds.

  1. Eggs and Hatching

    • Female ducks, or hens, lay up to nine eggs per breeding season -- one each day. Once all the eggs have been laid, brooding begins. Choosing a nest safe from predators in tall grasses, the hen occupies the nest, intermittently warming her eggs for 22 to 28 days. After this period of time, the eggs hatch and the ducklings are brought into the world. Before hatching, the ducklings absorb their eggs' yolks, which allows them to survive without feeding for up to two days. After hatching, their downy feathers are quite wet.

    Week One

    • The first week of life sees some of the quickest developments in ducklings. Depending on the species, ducklings can grow up to 1 oz. per day. After hatching, and once their feathers have dried, the ducklings will be led to water by the hen. There they will begin to eat insects and grass around the water. Ducklings may not go into the water until after the first week, however. Within three days, the ducklings will develop their oil glands to assist them with preening. Similarly, their legs will thicken and become stronger.

    Up to 10 Weeks

    • After their profound development during the first week of their lives, growth slows slightly up to 10 weeks of age. The ducklings continue to grow stronger in the legs and become used to the preening process. At around three weeks of age, the ducklings begin to develop their first set of adult feathers, which poke through their down. Typically, ducklings will not go into water until they have developed their first set of feathers fully, at approximately six weeks. Quacking, rather than peeping, begins at three weeks and the ducklings begin to practice flying.

    Adulthood

    • Finally, adulthood for the ducklings begins when they molt their first set of feathers for their second, adult feathers. This generally happens at about 3 to 4 months. The second set of feathers is thicker and fuller than the first set, allowing the duckling to fly with greater ease. After the duckling gains its adult set of feathers, it becomes a much better swimmer and flier, flying at heights of 3 to 4 feet and higher as it develops muscles in its wings and legs.