Don’t Feed Ducks Bread. One Wildlife Org Encourages Giving Them These Foods Instead

Don’t Feed Ducks Bread. One Wildlife Org Encourages Giving Them These Foods Instead

Thomas Nelson
August 15, 2022
Animals
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Feeding ducks is a fun pass time for individuals and families alike, but it may not be so fun for the ducks being fed. The Canal River Trust, based in the UK, is making it their mission to educate the public about feeding ducks, why you shouldn’t feed bread, and what you should consider feeding ducks instead.

Feeding ducks is apparently a big deal in the UK. Every year, it’s estimated that 6 million loaves of bread are fed to ducks in public waterways throughout England and Wales. Regardless of where you live, the Canal River Trust is working to get people to stop feeding ducks bread entirely and choose better treats.

How bread makes ducks sick

Feeding bread to ducks and other waterfowl is a common practice in many parks and ponds, but it’s important to note that bread is not a suitable or healthy food for these birds. While bread itself doesn’t make ducks sick in the same way that it might affect humans, it can lead to a variety of health issues for waterfowl and have negative consequences for the ecosystem:

Malnutrition: Bread lacks essential nutrients that ducks and other waterfowl need for proper growth and development. Feeding them bread can lead to malnutrition because it doesn’t provide the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Obesity: Bread is high in calories, and ducks that consume large amounts of bread may become overweight. Obesity can lead to health problems in ducks, just as it does in humans.
Nutritional Imbalance: Feeding bread can create a nutritional imbalance in a duck’s diet. Ducks that fill up on bread are less likely to eat other, more nutritious foods, such as aquatic plants and insects, which are essential for their health.
Digestive Issues: Ducks have relatively simple digestive systems designed for natural foods like aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Bread is difficult for them to digest, and consuming large quantities can lead to digestive problems, including bloating and diarrhea.
Altered Behavior: Ducks that are regularly fed bread may become dependent on handouts from humans, altering their natural foraging behaviors. This can have long-term negative consequences for their ability to find food on their own.
Water Pollution: Leftover bread in the water can lead to water pollution, promoting the growth of harmful algae and bacteria. This can affect not only the ducks but also other aquatic life and the overall health of the ecosystem.

To ensure the well-being of ducks and other waterfowl, it’s best to avoid feeding them bread altogether. Instead, consider offering them more appropriate foods, such as cracked corn, peas, oats, or leafy greens, in moderation. It’s also important to respect local regulations and guidelines regarding wildlife feeding, as some areas may have restrictions on feeding ducks to protect their health and the environment.

What should you feed ducks instead?

We’ve gone over why you shouldn’t feed ducks bread. It’s unhealthy and causes environmental issues. So what can you feed ducks instead?

The Canal River Trust recommends six foods for ducks. Sweetcorn and peas are a favorite among ducks. If you buy them frozen, thaw them out first. If they come in a can, obviously open up the can before you feed them!

Lettuce is another favorite of ducks. In the wild, ducks eat leafy greens from a number of sources. Oats, seeds, and cooked rice may also be fed to wild ducks.

All six of these are better, healthier options for ducks.

Should you feed ducks at all?

According to the city of Sugarland, Texas, you really shouldn’t feed ducks at all. There are a number of reasons, including some of the ones discussed in this article regarding malnutrition from bread. Sugarland expressed concern about population overcrowding due to the sudden increase in food.

“Where food is easy to come by, ducks and other waterfowl will lay more eggs and the pond or lake will become overcrowded,” the city wrote on its website. “This makes it more difficult for the birds to seek out healthier food sources and increases territorial aggression, especially during mating season. It will also cause ducks to cross busy streets in search of food.”

There’s also the issue of what happens to any uneaten food. Food left to rot can cause algae growth and pollution, harming other wildlife. Rotting food may also attract unwelcome pests like insects, mice, and rats.

And then there’s the issue of wildlife habituation, where animals become accustomed to certain stimuli, like being fed, taking place at certain locations. Ducks and other waterfowl that are fed by humans can become aggressive, believing that other humans will have food for them when they, unfortunately, don’t. This can lead to harm to both people and ducks.

So while feeding ducks may seem kind and fun, it could be unhealthy and dangerous for the birds.