When it comes to feeding your ducks, you have to pay close attention to what you are feeding them. In some areas, feeding wildlife is illegal, and you could face a fine of up to $100 if you are caught. Here are some things to avoid: avocados, citrus fruits, dog food, and salty grains.
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Avoid citrus fruits
You shouldn’t feed your ducks citrus fruits, as they can cause a variety of ailments. Citrus fruits are also toxic to ducks and can disrupt their digestive systems. Citrus fruits can also cause excessive thirst, which is bad for your ducks.
Avoid avocados
There are many foods that ducks enjoy, but some are better left out of their diet. Avocados, for example, are toxic to birds and should never be fed to them. Avocados contain the compound persin, which is toxic to ducks. Avocado trees, especially those that grow in the wild, are also toxic. Avoid feeding ducks avocados and their pits.
Avoid dog food
While dog foods are rich in nutrients, they are not the best choice for feeding ducks. Not only are they high in fat and cholesterol, they can also lead to obesity in ducks, which is harmful to the birds’ health. Dog food is also susceptible to molds, which can be toxic for ducks.
Avoid salty grains
During the winter, ducks need lots of nutritious food and salty grains are not a good choice. They can eat some cooked carbs, but it is best to limit their intake. Whole wheat pasta and brown rice are a good choice. You can also use oatmeal, but make sure to use unflavored varieties.
Avoid potato skins
You should never feed your ducks potato skins, especially during the winter season. Not only are they toxic, they also contain solanine, which is a neurotoxin. This substance is naturally found in plants that belong to the Nightshade family.
Avoid mollusks
When feeding ducks, it’s important to watch what you feed them. Many ducks enjoy eating fruits and vegetables, but not mollusks and other animals that could harm their digestive systems. For example, avocados are toxic to ducks, and they can lead to a host of illnesses, including intestinal blockage and secondary bacterial infections. They can also cause death in pet birds, so be sure to limit their intake of these foods.
Avoid acorns
The tannic acid contained in acorns causes digestive problems in ducks. It can also damage the liver and kidneys. In order to avoid these problems, you should dry acorns before feeding them to your ducks. Alternatively, you can boil acorns to remove the tannins. While acorns may not be the healthiest choice for ducks, they do provide good protein and fat.
Avoid grass seeds
While grass seeds are a healthy source of protein, you should avoid feeding your ducks large amounts of them. This is because the seeds can lead to over-weight in poultry. Over-weight poultry can suffer from leg problems and fatty liver. You can make your ducks’ diet more nutritious by providing a variety of other vegetables and fruits.
