Choosing a diet for your duck is an important part of keeping him healthy. While most ducks thrive on fresh vegetables, fresh or dried corn, and Broiler feed are excellent choices, there are other options that may not be as healthy. Below are some guidelines for choosing a diet that is safe for your pet duck. Read on for more information! Once you decide what to feed your duck, you can rest easy knowing that it will be a happy pet!
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Veggies
Your pet duck can enjoy a variety of foods, from fruits to vegetables. You can give them carrots and squash as treats every once in a while, and you can also add some leafy greens to their diet. Regardless of the vegetables you choose to include, you should always cut them up small and serve them in small amounts. They love green vegetables, but be aware that some of them are toxic to them. You can check with your vet before feeding your duck any specific type of vegetable.
Fresh or dried corn
If you’re thinking about feeding your pet duck a diet based on fresh or dried corn, be sure to mix it with other foods to ensure a balanced diet. Corn is a good source of insoluble fiber that can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids and constipation. Corn is generally safe to feed to pet ducks, but it contains phytic acid, which prevents absorption of many important nutrients and vitamins. Ideally, you’ll mix it with other grains to create a balanced diet.
Broiler feed
When buying a meat duck, it’s important to know that the protein content of the feed is at least 20%. The higher the protein content, the better, although a lower protein feed is fine for a Pekin duck, which grows much faster than most other egg-laying breeds. Providing small snacks like broccoli, cauliflower, or kale is fine, but only as a small portion of the daily diet.
Millet
Adding millet to your pet duck’s diet can benefit both you and your pet. Millet is healthy for ducks, and it’s also a great training bait and incentive. It emerges quickly in warm soil and is tolerant of moisture extremes. However, the plant is very sensitive to frost, so it’s best to introduce millet gradually. You can gradually increase the amount of millet your pet duck eats each day.
Citrus fruits
While we can all enjoy the delicious taste of citrus fruit, we shouldn’t feed our pets the same type. Ducks are prone to various ailments and digestive problems when ingested, so avoiding citrus is crucial. These fruits can interfere with calcium absorption, resulting in thin-shelled eggs. Luckily, you can avoid these foods if you keep these tips in mind. Here are some benefits and risks of citrus fruits.
Mangoes
While mangoes have a sweet, tangy flavor, your pet duck will be less than thrilled with the sight and smell of this fruit. Its seeds are large and could pose a choking hazard. Avoid giving your duck too much mango, however, as it might upset its digestion. Instead, limit it to small amounts and watch its reaction. If it tries it and rejects it, then try another fruit.
Oysters
Crushed oyster shells are an important supplement for female ducks. This food provides calcium that is necessary for egg shell production. Lack of calcium in the diet can lead to egg bound ducks and possibly even death. Crushed oyster shells can be fed to your duck in a separate dish, or mixed in with their regular food. Male ducks do not need this extra calcium. Overfeeding them on oyster shells can affect their kidneys.
Bread
If you are considering getting a pet duck, you should consider what to feed it. Ducks are very different from their wild cousins in their eating habits and need to be fed differently. While the majority of flock feeds are suitable for chickens and ducks, they are often deficient in vitamins A and B, which are vital for healthy growth. Bread is a great source of energy and protein, but it is not the best choice for your duck.
