From traditional use to everyday care

Hardiness is a description of relative suitability under particular conditions, not permission to omit shelter or feeding. A modern caretaker should assess the actual exposure, available food, predator pressure, and condition of individual ducks. An island origin cannot be used to assume that all climates or all wet enclosures are suitable.

General duck management still calls for a dry resting area and safe footing even when the bird's history involves shorelines and marshland. Cornell's management guidance explains why drainage and clean bedding are important around waterfowl. Keeping the wet activity area distinct from dry shelter is especially useful when an educational photograph makes an exposed landscape appear self-sufficient.