- \n
- Heat exchanger<\/strong> Ducks have a system of blood vessels in their legs (a rete mirabile) that prevents heat loss and frostbite.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natural impregnation<\/strong> Thanks to the secretion from the preen gland, their feathers are completely waterproof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wise feeding<\/a>:<\/strong> Bread is harmful to ducks. In winter, a dedicated [food] works best. duck food<\/a><\/strong>, which supplies them with the necessary energy to warm their bodies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why don't ducks freeze to the ice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is a question that almost every walker asks themselves. The answer lies in biology. Wild ducks<\/strong> <\/a>they have a unique circulatory system in their legs, called the 'rete mirabile'wonderful network<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It works like a biological heat exchanger: arterial blood flowing from the core of the body warms the venous blood returning from the legs. As a result, the duck's feet remain close to freezing point, meaning the ice beneath them doesn't melt (so the duck doesn't freeze to it), and at the same time, the bird doesn't waste valuable energy heating its limbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/turdus.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kaczki-w-zimie-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Ducks in winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Pi\u00f3ra chroni\u0105 przed wilgoci\u0105 i wiatrem dzi\u0119ki swojej unikalnej strukturze i w\u0142a\u015bciwo\u015bciom.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you're wondering whether a duck gets wet in cold water \u2013 the answer is no. Ducks spend a lot of time preening. Using their beaks, they spread oily secretions from their preen gland over their feathers. This acts as a natural waterproofing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Waterproof layer<\/strong> Water runs off the feathers and doesn't soak in. It's no wonder they say \u201clike water off a duck's back\u201d \ud83d\ude42<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Airbag<\/strong> Beneath the outer feathers, there is dense down that traps a layer of air, creating ideal thermal insulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wind protection<\/strong> The dense structure of the feathers makes the duck almost entirely \u201ewindproof\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
When are ducks actually struggling?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Despite excellent physical condition, winter in Poland can be a challenge for birds \u2013 mainly due to a lack of access to food. When bodies of water freeze over, natural vegetation and small invertebrates become inaccessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That's when Wild ducks<\/strong> they need our support. However, it is crucial that, What<\/em> we are feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feeding birds bread \u2013 the worst solution!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although feeding bread is a Polish tradition, it is very harmful to birds. Bread causes stomach acidosis and a condition called \u201eangel wing\u201d, which prevents them from flying. Furthermore, the salt contained in bread disrupts the bird's water balance, which can be fatal with limited access to drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to feed ducks in winter to help them?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you want to genuinely help birds survive the frosts, choose food that is similar to their natural diet. Ideal options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Cereal grains (oats, wheat),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Boiled vegetables (no salt!),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Specialist duck food<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why choose ready-made mixes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Airbag<\/strong> Beneath the outer feathers, there is dense down that traps a layer of air, creating ideal thermal insulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natural impregnation<\/strong> Thanks to the secretion from the preen gland, their feathers are completely waterproof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/turdus.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/piora-kaczek-wlasciwosci-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n