The nesting period for a Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) hen can be very stressful since she lays more than half her body weight in eggs. She requires a lot of rest and a feeding/loafing area that is safe from predators. The clutch is 8-13 eggs, which are incubated for 27-28 days to hatching with 50-60 days to fledgling. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch. However, filial imprinting compels them to instinctively stay near the mother not only for...
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The nesting period for a Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) hen can be very stressful since she lays more than half her body weight in eggs. She requires a lot of rest and a feeding/loafing area that is safe from predators. The clutch is 8-13 eggs, which are incubated for 27-28 days to hatching with 50-60 days to fledgling. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch. However, filial imprinting compels them to instinctively stay near the mother not only for warmth and protection but also to learn about and remember their habitat as well as how and where to forage for food. When ducklings mature into flight-capable juveniles, they learn about and remember their traditional migratory routes (unless they are born and raised in captivity). After this, the juveniles and the mother may either part or remain together until the breeding season arrives.
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