No, ducks are not born waterproof, but they develop waterproofing shortly after hatching.
While baby ducks (ducklings) can enter the water soon after birth, their feathers are not initially waterproof. This lack of waterproofing makes them susceptible to hypothermia if they stay in the water for extended periods.
Here's a breakdown:
- Initial State: Ducklings are born with downy feathers, which offer insulation but are not waterproof.
- Preen Gland: Ducks possess a preen gland (also called the uropygial gland) located near their tail. This gland produces an oily substance.
- Waterproofing Process: The mother duck (and later, the ducklings themselves) spread this oil over their feathers using their beaks. This process, called preening, creates a waterproof barrier.
- Development Over Time: The ducklings rely on their mother's preening in the initial days. As they grow, they learn to preen themselves and maintain their own waterproofing.
- Hypothermia Risk: Until they are effectively waterproofed, ducklings are vulnerable to becoming chilled if they spend too much time in the water.
Therefore, while ducklings have the potential for waterproof feathers from birth, the actual waterproofing is a process that requires oil from the preen gland and diligent preening, making them not inherently waterproof at birth.
