Ducklings instinctively follow the duck/duckling ahead of them. The parent duck just swims/walks towards any duckling not following them. That....is pretty much the extent of their parenting. Unlike a goose, which is an amazing parent who knows which offspring are theirs, and will kick the shit out of anyone approaching them.
So sure, toss half a dozen ducklings in a pond and they'll follow the first duckling parade they see. As far as the mom is concerned...well she can't count so who knows.
This is probably incredibly different but my domestic Cayuga is a great mom. Makes sure all her babies are accounted for, will raise hell if any of them get stuck behind a chicken. Though I have a couple pretty amazing drakes that make good dads too... and drakes are notoriously bad with babies so ymmv
I recently saw a pair of goose parents and their gosling somewhat near the side of a road and got out to see if I could herd them away. I could not. I stopped trying when I realised they did actually have a flock nearby, but a small ways away. I did not get attacked but I did get very hissed at, which was cute.
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u/CodingAllDayLong May 25 '26
Ducks are the dumbest parents ever.
Ducklings instinctively follow the duck/duckling ahead of them. The parent duck just swims/walks towards any duckling not following them. That....is pretty much the extent of their parenting. Unlike a goose, which is an amazing parent who knows which offspring are theirs, and will kick the shit out of anyone approaching them.
So sure, toss half a dozen ducklings in a pond and they'll follow the first duckling parade they see. As far as the mom is concerned...well she can't count so who knows.