Duck

Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

The domestic duck, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, is the farm and backyard form descended mainly from the mallard. It includes egg-laying breeds, meat breeds, ornamental varieties, and active foragers such as Indian Runners, Khaki Campbells, Rouens, and Pekins. Domestic ducks are waterfowl with webbed feet, dense waterproofing feathers, and dabbling feeding behavior. They differ from Muscovy ducks, which come from a separate species, although both are commonly kept on small farms and homesteads.

Ducks need secure night housing because they are vulnerable to foxes, raccoons, dogs, raptors, and other predators. They do not require a pond, but they need water deep enough to clean their bills and eyes, and their bedding must be managed because they splash and compact wet areas quickly. A balanced waterfowl feed is safer than relying on chicken rations alone, especially for growing ducklings that need adequate niacin for leg development. Flocks are social, and sex ratios matter because too many drakes can injure females. Keepers also plan for mud, winter footing, local ordinances, egg collection, and biosecurity during avian influenza outbreaks.