Do you feed the ducks? Well...you shouldn't according to the debate here this morning. Not mouldy bread or fast food anyway. #iand
— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) November 26, 2013
Here are the "do's and don'ts":
Do not feed ducks:
- Bread
- Crackers
- Popcorn
These foods have little nutritional value and can harm ducklings’ growth, pollute waterways and attract rodents and other pests.
NB: Ducks should also not be fed any products that are spoiled or mouldy. Different types of mould can be fatal to waterfowl.
Good foods:
The best foods for ducks are those that provide the nutrients, minerals and vitamins the birds need for healthy growth and development. Many of these foods are similar to those that birds would forage for on their own. The best food to offer them are:
- Oats (uncooked; rolled or quick)
- Rice
- Birdseed (any type or mix)
- Grapes
- Frozen peas or corn (defrosted, no need to cook)
- Chopped lettuce or other greens or salad mixes
- Vegetable trimmings or peels (chopped)
- Duck feed pellets or poultry starter pellets are another great option, and they can be purchased from farming or agricultural supply stores
