How long do ducklings stay with their mother?

Ducklings stay with their mothers between 40 and 60 days before they become independent. During that time, the mother duck protects them and teaches them everything they need to know in order to survive in the wild.

Ducklings quickly bond with their mothers after hatching. Ducklings follow their mothers around as she leads them to water and teaches them what to eat. While they are with her, she keeps them warm at night by brooding with them, which also makes their feathers waterproof. By the end of the time they are with their mothers, ducklings can fly and live independently.