Ducklings follow their mother for survival and protection. Newly hatched ducklings are altricial, meaning they are born in a helpless state and rely on their parents for food, warmth, and protection. The mother duck leads her ducklings to food sources, such as insects, worms, and small fish, and she also protects them from predators.
Following their mother also helps ducklings learn important survival skills. They learn how to find food, avoid predators, and navigate their environment. The mother duck teaches her ducklings how to swim, dive, and forage for food. She also teaches them how to avoid predators by staying close to her and hiding in the reeds or other vegetation.