How are ducklings different from chickens?

Ducklings and chicks, while both baby birds, have some distinct differences:

Appearance:

* Size: Ducklings are typically larger and rounder than chicks, especially in the early stages.

* Feet: Ducklings have webbed feet, which are perfect for swimming. Chicks have normal, non-webbed feet.

* Bill: Ducklings have a broader, flatter bill than chicks. They also have a small knob at the tip of their bill called a "natal tooth" that helps them break out of their egg.

* Color: While both can come in various colors, ducklings often have a distinctive yellow or brown coloring, while chicks can have a wider range of colors, often with more patterned feathers.

Behavior:

* Swimming: Ducklings are born with the ability to swim, while chicks are not.

* Vocalization: Ducklings have a soft, "quacking" sound, while chicks often have a higher-pitched "cheeping" sound.

* Socialization: Ducklings tend to stay closer to their mother than chicks, and often form a line behind her when she moves.

Diet:

* Ducklings: Primarily eat insects, small fish, and aquatic vegetation.

* Chicks: Mainly eat seeds, grains, and insects.

Other Differences:

* Lifespan: Ducklings have a shorter lifespan than chicks.

* Breeding: Ducklings mature quicker than chicks.

Ultimately, the differences between ducklings and chicks are largely due to their different environments and lifestyles. Ducklings are designed for water, while chicks are land-based birds.