The duck nesting season is underway, which can only mean one thing: Ducklings!
Yup. There are going to be ducklings!
Anyway,
this is my reminder to you to NOT feed them bread.
This also goes for any duck at any time of the year, but goes double during the adorable ducking season.
No bread, of any kind, has any nutritional value for ducks. By feeding them bread, it fills their stomachs while providing no nutrient. It’s essentially the equivalent of humans eating cotton balls, or grass. This is especially important for the wee ones while they’re growing.
I still encourage you to feed them because it’s hella fun but instead, consider these alternate options:
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
These foods more closely mirror the duck’s natural food sources.
The ducks and geese at the pond would lose their shit over thin shredded carrots and lettuce. It’s more fun than bread too cause they crunch crunch crunch. When I was homeless I’d buy a dollar menu salad with no dressing, then go share it with the park critters. Better than Netflix.
