Ducks are called various species belonging to the Anatidae family. They are omnivorous animals, with a flat beak, short neck and rounded body. They have thin, strong fingers on their webbed feet, which means they are completely flat. The wings of the ducks are not very long and remain mostly collected, giving these animals an elegant appearance.
But, what do ducks eat? In this article on our site we will do a general review aboutfeeding the ducks , so you know what their diet consists of and what these popular birds can eat. Keep reading!
What do wild ducks eat?
We will start talking about the feeding of wild ducks We must know that when ducks are in the wild they live and develop in small riverbeds, lakes or swamps, so they tend to feed on everything around them to satisfy their needs.
In this sense, wild ducks feed on plants, insects, seeds, algae or fish of the habitat they catch while moving on the surface of the waters. As a curiosity we can mention that, on occasions, they ingest sand found on the banks or at the bottom of rivers, small stones that serve to grind their food and digest it better.
What do domestic ducks eat?
When we talk about keeping this bird as a pet, we must know that the feeding of domestic ducks must be the most balanced and nutritious as possible. We must bear in mind that they are omnivorous animals, so the range of foods that we can offer them is wider than in other species.
Cereals, legumes and seeds for ducks
Cereals are an important part of duck feeding. Most commercial feeds contain them, but if we have decided to bet on the balanced feed formulas for ducks at home we can use the following:
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Corn
- Wheat
- Green beans
- Beans
- Darling
- Sunflower
- Etc.
Fruits and vegetables for ducks
Fresh and natural foods are a source of vitamins, so they should never be lacking in our duck's diet. We can offer the following vegetables for ducks:
- Beetroot
- Green peas
- Corn
- Cabbage
- Alfafa
- Lettuce
- Tender shoots
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Peppers
- Cucumber
- Etc.
In a much more moderate way, due to their sugar content, we can also include the following in our pet's diet fruits for ducks:
- Apple
- Pear
- Banana
- Cantaloupe
- Watermelon
- Grapes
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Peach
- Etc.
We recommend cleaning fruit and vegetables well before offering them, as well as chopping them into small portions.
Insects for ducks and other foods of animal origin
Remember that in the wild, ducks also feed on other living things, such as insects. Some examples of insects, crustaceans and more that ducks eat include earthworms, crickets, mealybugs, snails or slugs. However, we can also provide your dose of protein through fish, always removing the bones and offering it in small portions.
Another essential food of animal origin is egg shells or shells, which provide protein and calcium. We can crush it and include it in your diet along with other foods. Another option that can help with the supply of calcium and protein of animal origin is natural yoghurt without sugars
Duck feed
To finish we will talk about the commercial feed "for ornamental ducks", which is what ducks considered domestic animals are called. We must differentiate these foods from those intended for farm animals, since the latter are formulated for the fattening process.
We must check the composition to ensure that it is a quality product. It should include some of the foods listed above. It will be properly balanced and rich in vitamins. We will offer the amount indicated by the manufacturer on the container, depending on the weight of the animal and other factors. If we have doubts we can always consult a specialized veterinarian.
Duck Feeding Tips
However, it is essential to point out that the feeding of the domestic duck must not be based solely on feed, since we must also include fruits and vegetables, unprocessed grains, and live food or fish. It should also include grit for ducks, essential for them to grind the food.
Likewise, don't forget that the duck should always have a container of fresh, clean water. We recommend renewing it at least once or twice a day.
You may be interested in knowing more about the duck as a pet.
What do baby ducks eat?
If you have a family of ducks and the eggs of these small birds have just hatched, it is very important to pay attention to their diet, since the correct development will depend on itof the chicks.
In this sense, the first days after birth they should be fed with feed soaked in water, so that they can ingest it more easily. It must be specific for developing ducks. As they grow, you can start to introduce into their diet some foods that will be present in their adult stage, such as peas, worms, corn, cooked vegetables or crickets, among others.
The ideal is to provide them with a diet that is as varied, natural and complete as possible.
Can ducks eat bread?
In most towns and cities, whether in rivers, parks or zoos, it is common to find these animals living peacefully with humans. Unfortunately, it is also common to see people feeding them bread and even treats. Maybe you have done it yourself. If this is the case, stop doing it! Although ducks love to eat bread, it is a
As you should know, bread is a food high in carbohydrates, hence it is harmful to ducks, as excessive intake It gives them the well-known "angel wings". What is it about? It is a condition in which the last row of feathers folds to the sides, causing the animal to have severe difficulty taking flight
If you are in a park or zoo and want to feed the ducks, there are other options that will not harm their he alth. You can choose, for example, to give them the food that is sold in the zoo for the consumption of the ducks. You can also offer them small pieces of fish, fruit or vegetables, since they usually eat a lot of things.
In all these cases you must make sure that the pieces are not excessively large. Also, don't forget that it's better to let the ducks be fed by those in charge rather than giving them treats or other food yourself.
Also discover on our site how the Mandarin Duck reproduces.
Duck Prohibited Foods
As you have already seen, bread is considered one of the prohibited foods for ducks, however, are there others? The truth is yes. We should completely avoid the following foods:
- Bread
- Pastry
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Popcorn
- Chocolate
- Soda
- Alcohol
- Sweet
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Onion
- Garlic
- Walnuts
- Lemon
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Lime
- Etc.
Now you know what ducks eat! Would you add any more food to the lists in this article? If so, leave us your comment and we'll add it! Do not forget to share your experiences so that other users can be inspired and know how to feed their ducks correctly.
