Wild ducks are omnivores, capable of subsisting on a variety of plant foods such as grasses and weeds, insects, worms, fish eggs, and small minnows.
Though you may want to give your ducks a tasty treat, it’s essential not to overfeed them. Doing so could lead them to become dependent on human handouts and disrupt their natural nutritional balance.
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Fruits
Wild ducks should eat food that is as close to their natural environment as possible. Overfeeding food that isn’t found in their environment can cause malnutrition or deformities if consumed too frequently.
Wild ducks love fruits as a source of protein, fiber and vitamins. Some of their favorite fruits include bananas, peaches, pears and apples.
Many melon varieties, including cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon are safe to feed your ducks as long as the pits or seeds have been removed. Other fruits with large seeds (stones) at their centers such as cherries, plums, peaches and apricots contain trace amounts of cyanide so be sure to remove these before giving them to your birds.
Oats, whether uncooked, rolled or quick are another healthy treat that ducks will love. Additionally, they’ll enjoy tinned or frozen sweetcorn.
Vegetables
Wild ducks feed on insects, seeds, aquatic plants and grass. Additionally, they receive ample nutrition from fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables provide essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. In particular, vegetables are beneficial to ducks due to their high content of linoleic acid – an essential fatty acid which supports cardiovascular health and promotes normal growth.
However, you should avoid giving your ducks anything from the nightshade family – such as eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. Parts of these vegetables are toxic for ducks and may lead to illness or even death in them.
Ducks enjoy a wide range of fruits, such as apples, pears, bananas and mangoes; however it is recommended that you do not feed them oranges or lemons since these contain oxalic acid which hinders calcium absorption within the body and may affect their eggs’ health.
Weeds
Wild ducks can be fed a variety of things, but weeds are the ideal choice. Not only are they safe to consume, but weeds also provide essential vitamins and minerals that keep them healthy.
They provide energy and aid with digestion. However, eating too many weeds may lead to stomach upset; thus, balance small amounts with seeds and nuts for maximum nutritional benefit.
Wild ducks enjoy a wide range of edible plants, weeds, herbs and flowers for their natural flavors!
Weeds are plants that take advantage of conditions where they’re not wanted. They compete with crops for sunlight, water and other resources essential to grow and reproduce. Furthermore, weeds have the potential to be hazardous to both people and animals alike; thus making them a contentious topic in debates over control and prevention efforts.
Flowers
Wild ducks require a diverse diet of plants, insects and weeds to stay healthy. Adding flowers and plants around your home can keep your ducks entertained and active in the garden or pasture even if they can’t forage naturally.
Plants are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps shield your ducks from coccidium infection. Furthermore, they provide essential amino acids like methionine–essential for duck growth and muscle development–as well as calcium–essential for bone mineralization.
Calendula petals are some of the healthiest flowers for your ducks to feed, as they contain high concentrations of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Not only do they help relieve inflammation, ringworm, wounds and dermatitis in duck eggs, but they can also enhance their color!
