Do Ducks Have Claws? The Surprising Truth About Duck Feet

So here’s something I never knew until it literally cut me: Ducks have retractable claws. Like a cat. And they are razor sharp.

I found this out the hard way.

Why didn’t I know this? Is it common knowledge? Have I just been living under a rock and completely ignorant of this interesting little factoid? Because I genuinely thought duck feet were soft, flappy little paddles with no danger whatsoever. I was wrong.

Imagine if you will: I’m doing a simple duckling transfer from one pen to another. No real drama, just scooping up a bunch of fuzzy ducklings with minimal flailing. But when I finish the job, I look down and my hands are scratched and bleeding like I lost a fight with a gang of angry kittens. What?

Ducks aren’t sharp. Ducks aren’t pokey. Ducks are soft and squishy and waddle like babies in footie pajamas. What happened?

Upon closer inspection, I discovered what had sliced and diced me like a prisoner caught off-guard in a knife fight. Retractable. Claws. Like tiny, web-footed Wolverines.

I’m used to chickens. Chickens have gnarly toenails, sure, but they’re nothing shocking. What you see is what you get. They might scratch you if you handle them wrong, but they’re not hiding tiny switchblades in their feet.

Ducks, on the other hand? Full-on weaponized feet and they're not afraid to use them.

They lure you in with their innocent faces and soft fur, but those cute little webbed feet are hiding a dark secret. Hidden blades. Silent knives. Stealth-mode foot razors.

Honestly, I’m a little afraid of them now. If one of them decides it’s not in the mood to be cuddled, all it has to do is unleash its tiny arsenal and I’m instantly reminded who’s boss.

Let this be a warning: Don’t be fooled by the cuteness. Be mindful. Duck feet are weapons.