Video shows baby ducklings who believe grown man is their mother

Rick has been caring for the ducks since he incubated their eggs after their mother died

Recently hatched ducklings, unrelated to the video, shelter in the undergrowth as they enjoy the spring weather and sunshine at the Slimbridge Wetlands Wildlfire Centre near Dursley, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

An adorable video, showing 13 tiny ducklings following a man who they believe is their mother, has gone viral.

The footage, shot by the man’s neighbour Matthew Sargent, has ratcheted up over 220,000 views in the three days since it was uploaded.

The new parent, that is called 'Rick' in the footage, rescued the ducklings before they had hatched from their eggs after their mother died.

He put them in his incubator, and when they hatched the baby birds and imprinted on him – believing that he is their carer.

In the video, Rick is seen strolling across a lawn as the ducklings chase after his legs with total devotion.

As Rick manoeuvres more quickly across the lawns, the ducklings run faster, and finally group around his ankle when he stops at the end of the clip.

One commenter has requested that Rick and Matthew continue filming the ducklings’ development.

“I want him to make a channel on their livelihood...” said TH3RIPPA.

But, soon the ducks will become independent, and stop following Rick.

Read more: Baby squirrel recovers from fall thanks to tiny cast