Ducks can eat several seeds as treats, including sunflower seeds, millet, flax and pumpkin seeds, but seeds should never be their main food. A complete waterfowl or duck feed should make up most of the diet, with seeds kept to a small share.
Seeds ducks can eat
- Sunflower seeds: hulled or black oil seeds are a popular treat. They are high in fat, so offer small amounts.
- Millet: a small, easy-to-digest grain that ducks like.
- Flax and hemp seeds: add healthy fats, and are often used in small amounts around molting.
- Pumpkin and squash seeds: fine as an occasional treat.
- Cracked corn, oats and wheat: grain treats, best scattered in water or on the ground.
What ducks need most
Ducks need a balanced feed with enough protein and niacin. Ducklings need more niacin than chicks, so chick starter alone is often not enough unless it is supplemented. Seeds are mostly energy, so too many can crowd out the nutrients in a complete feed.
How much seed to feed
- Keep seeds and treats to roughly a tenth of the daily diet.
- Scatter treats in shallow water, so ducks can dabble and wash them down. Ducks need water to swallow dry food.
- Remove leftovers promptly so they do not attract rodents or spoil.
What to avoid
- Moldy or old seed, which can contain harmful toxins.
- Salted, seasoned or flavored nuts and seeds.
- Raw or dry beans.
- Bread and processed human food. They fill ducks up with little nutrition.
Related guides
See what Pekin ducks eat and the role of alfalfa pellets for ducks for ideas that go with seed treats.
Bottom Line
Seeds make good treats, not staples. Feed a complete waterfowl feed, offer small amounts of safe seeds in shallow water, and ask a vet if your ducks are underweight or unwell.
