We've put together a list of six different foods that you can use as duck feed, instead of bread.
Enjoyed by young and old, feeding ducks has been a much-loved activity for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It's thought that bread became a popular food choice due to convenience - but is it the right thing to be offering?
Can you feed ducks bread?
You can feed ducks bread, but due to the vast quantities they're offered, it's not always the best option for them. Can you imagine the health implications if you only ate bread as your diet?
Why is bread bad for ducks?
In general, whilst in-date bread isn't unsafe for ducks, it is not particularly nutritional. Like humans, they need a varied diet to stay healthy.
However, it's important to check the date on any leftovers you're planning to offer out. Hannah Booth, our environment manager for Wales & South West, explains: "Mouldy bread can cause some birds to become ill."
In popular locations where bread is given to ducks often, there may be a lot that that goes uneaten. This can lead to environmental issues. Excess food is also likely to attract rats, which, if they're carrying diseases, may have consequences for eggs and young chicks.
What do ducks eat in the wild?
The RSPB lists seeds, acorns and berries, plants, insects and shellfish as natural food sources for ducks.
Here are six different foods that you probably already have at home, which can be used as nutritional duck feed.
1. Sweetcorn
It turns out that ducks are quite partial to sweetcorn. Tinned, frozen, or fresh. Obviously, remove them from the tin first.
2. Lettuce
As a nation we're guilty of throwing away a vast amount of lettuce, especially the bagged variety. Instead of consigning it to the bin, rip it into pieces and treat your local ducks. Rocket, kale, and iceberg are all great choices.
3. Frozen peas
There's no need to cook them but make sure you defrost them first.
4. Oats
Flapjacks, rolled oats, and even instant porridge oats will be a huge hit with ducks.
5. Seeds
Whether you buy bird seed or just seeds from the fruit and nut aisle in the supermarket, the ducks will be very grateful for these nutritious nibbles.
6. Rice
Ducks will appreciate a handful of leftover rice if you've cooked too much for your dinner. You can also use uncooked rice, both are fine.
What foods should you avoid?
There are a few foods you should avoid feeding ducks in addition to bread.
1. Crisps
Not just crisps, don't feed ducks any 'junk food'.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn hulls and kernels are difficult for ducks to digest, and they can become lodged in their throat and decay over time.
3. Cornflakes
Cornflakes and other cereals provide very little nutritional value to ducks and are high in sugar and other additives.
4. Citrus fruits
Avoid citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, as well as other high-acid fruits like mango and pineapple, which can induce digestive issues.
5. Onions and spinach
Spinach can induce egg binding issues in ducks by interfering with calcium production. Onions and related vegetables can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as hemolytic anaemia, which can lead to respiratory illness.
6. Avocados
Avocados are a healthy snack for humans, but they are poisonous to birds, particularly ducks, and can induce heart failure.
More tips for feeding ducks
If you are looking to feed the ducks at your local canal, do it on a rare occasion. A few trips here and there are preferable to frequent visits. If you feed them on a regular basis, they are likely to eat too much.
Other tips include:
Ducks do not chew their food. Make sure they are in bite-sized portions so the ducks can eat them easily.
If ducks show no interest or leave the food uneaten, stop feeding them. Food that has been left out can soon deteriorate and attract bugs.
Be cautious of larger waterfowl like swans and geese, they can become violent.
Birds and the environment are both harmed by litter; carefully dispose of any rubbish, including bags, twist ties, plastic clips, and other inappropriate or mouldy pieces. Join our #PlasticsChallenge.
Allowing pets or children to chase or disturb ducks, especially young birds or families, is prohibited. It may lead the birds to get stressed or injured.
If other guests are already feeding the ducks, don't feed them. Too much food might result in health issues as well as uneaten leftovers.
