Feeding the Ducks...Who Knew??

I do alot of walking in the local park...complete with a lovely eucalyptus bordered lake, and many I mean "MANY" types of water fowl.. Mallards, White Geese, Canadian Geese, One snow goose, and hmmm...one called a Muscovy..I think. I enjoy watching and feeding the ducks.. Who knew I was doing it all wrong!! Feeding them inappropriate and unhealthy treats.. Namely bread and popcorn.. I mean really? Isn't that what everyone feeds them?? Yessss...but we all seem to be doing it wrong.. Apparently according to one super smart elderly gentlemen, who has been feeding the ducks forever...and the DNR..bread is bad for ducks and causes them harm.. The "Duck Man" as I affectionately call him said to feed them cracked corn, and wheat its cheap!!! HMMMM..I have a bunch of winter wheat that needs used up...I think I'll give that a try...
Many birders got their first personal interactions with avian wildlife by feeding ducks at local parks or urban ponds, and knowing what to feed ducks can help provide the birds with a healthy diet so future generations can enjoy this activity safely for themselves and for the birds they want to feed.

To Feed or Not to Feed

Feeding ducks and waterfowl is a topic of great debate among birders, conservationists and city officials.

There are many bird feeding myths related to ducks, including the idea that feeding the birds will inhibit their migration. In truth, many waterfowl species are year-round residents of city parks and similar habitats, and they will remain there whether or not they are hand fed. Too much feeding, on the other hand, is unhealthy for the birds and can create excess waste and pollution that can destroy waterfowl habitats, while leftover, uneaten food can attract rodents and foster disease. Birds that are fed too often can also become aggressive and may become a nuisance if they overpopulate a small area.

It is important to realize that waterfowl are capable of fending for themselves and do not require human handouts to survive, no matter what the season nor how much they may seem to beg for treats. Individuals who do want to feed the ducks, however, can do so by offering nutritious treats to supplement the birds’ wild diet.

What Not to Feed Ducks

The most common items fed to ducks and waterfowl are also the least nutritious and most unhealthy: bread, chips, crackers, popcorn and similar bread-type products and scraps.

Feeding ducks bread is bad because the food has little nutritional value and can harm ducklings’ growth, pollute waterways and attract rodents and other pests. Similarly, ducks should not be fed any products that are spoiled or moldy; different types of mold can be fatal to waterfowl. Fortunately, there are many other types of food that can be offered to ducks, geese and swans as part of a healthy and nutritious diet.

Good Foods for Ducks

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 the natural seeds, grains and plants the birds will forage on their own. As omnivorous birds, ducks will eat a great deal of different foods, and the best foods to offer ducks include:

• Cracked corn
• Wheat, barley or similar grains
• Oats (uncooked; rolled or quick)
• Rice (cooked or uncooked)
• Milo
• Birdseed (any type or mix)
• Grapes (cut in half)
• Frozen peas or corn (defrosted, no need to cook)
• Earthworms
• Mealworms (fresh or dried)
• 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.

Tips for Feeding Ducks

If you do choose to feed ducks and waterfowl at local ponds occasionally, the best tactic is to visit rarely so the birds are not getting excess food that would be unhealthy for them or their environment. Other tips for feeding ducks, geese and swans include:

• Stop feeding if the birds appear uninterested or are leaving the food uneaten, and avoid feeding the birds if other visitors are already offering treats.
• No matter what foods you provide, only offer foods in bite-sized pieces the birds can easily consume without choking or struggling.
• Be wary of birds that approach closely and remember that they can still be aggressive, particularly larger waterfowl such as swans and geese.
• Litter can hurt birds in many ways, so be sure to dispose of all trash properly, including bags, twist ties and unsuitable scraps.
• Do not allow pets or children to chase or disturb the birds, particularly young birds or families that could become stressed or injured more easily.
• Always check city ordinances that restrict or prohibit feeding ducks or waterfowl, and obey all local laws. Disobeying laws could result in fines or other penalties.

Feeding ducks, geese and swans at local ponds and parks can be a controversial topic, but it can also be an enchanting wildlife experience for all ages, and more than one birder has first become interested in birds because of feeding ducks. By knowing what to feed ducks as part of a nutritious and responsible diet, birders can enjoy this activity without inadvertently harming their favorite waterfowl.