Page 31 - Boardwalk Meander Issue 4_2023

LIFESTYLE

DUCK FEEDING ETIQUETTE:

What to Feed (and What Not to Feed) Ducks in Our Local Dams

here’s something undeniably and they’ll appreciate insects, these substances can be toxic
charming about feeding ducks at earthworms, and even small to them.
Tour local dams. Whether you’re an aquatic invertebrates.
adult seeking a moment of tranquillity FEEDING TIPS:
or a child excitedly sharing breadcrumbs 6. Rice and Cooked Pasta: Small
with feathered friends, the connection amounts of rice and cooked 1. Small Portions: Feed ducks in
between humans and ducks is a special pasta are safe for ducks when small, manageable portions, and
one. fed in moderation. ensure the food is bite-sized to
prevent choking hazards.
However, it’s essential to remember WHAT NOT TO FEED DUCKS:
that not all foods are suitable for our 2. Spread the Food: Scatter
feathered companions. In this article, 1. Bread: Despite its popularity, food on the water’s surface to
we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of bread offers little to no encourage natural foraging
feeding ducks in our community’s dams, nutritional value for ducks and behavior.
ensuring their well-being. can lead to malnutrition. Bread
also bloats in their stomachs 3. Be Mindful of Your
WHAT TO FEED DUCKS: and can harm them over time. Environment: Only feed ducks
in areas designated for such
1. Duck-Friendly Grains: Ducks 2. Chips, Junk Food, and Candy: activities. Feeding ducks in
have a diet primarily composed Foods high in salt, sugar, excessive amounts can harm
of grains, so options like cracked or artificial additives are their natural diet and disrupt
corn, oats, barley, and wheat are unhealthy for ducks and can the local ecosystem.
excellent choices. You can find cause digestive problems.
commercial duck feed or pellets 4. Observe from a Distance:
at pet stores as well. 3. Popcorn: Popcorn might be a Approach ducks calmly and
2. Greens: Ducks love leafy greens beloved snack for humans, but avoid getting too close, as they
like lettuce, spinach, and kale. it can be challenging for ducks may feel threatened.
Tear them into bite-sized to digest. CONCLUSION:
pieces to make it easier for the 4. Moldy or Stale Food: Avoid Feeding ducks at our local dams can
ducks to eat. be a rewarding experience, fostering a
feeding ducks any food that connection with nature and teaching
3. Frozen Peas: Ducks enjoy is moldy or stale, as it can be valuable lessons about empathy and
frozen peas, which provide a harmful to their health. kindness. However, it’s crucial to be
refreshing treat, especially in 5. Processed Food Scraps: mindful of what we offer our feathered
hot weather. friends. By adhering to the guidelines
Leftover pizza, hamburgers,
4. Dried Mealworms: Ducks relish and other processed food of what to feed (and what not to feed)
ducks, we can ensure their health and
dried mealworms as a protein- scraps can be detrimental to well-being while preserving the beauty
rich snack, particularly during duck health due to their high of our local ecosystem. Let’s enjoy this
molting seasons. fat content. delightful pastime responsibly and

5. Earthworms and Insects: 6. Medication: Never offer ducks continue to appreciate the wonders of
Ducks are natural foragers, medication (or alcohol), as our natural world.

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Boardwalk Meander Estate Issue 4 · 2023