What to Feed Ducks and Geese

Are you wondering what to feed the ducks when you go to the park. If feeding ducks is allowed in your city, you can feed them seedless grapes cut in half, birdseed, corn, peas, oats, or chopped lettuce, but it is ultimately better to let them learn to find their own food. Why? Because, if they are dependent upon humans for their food, they may not have enough to eat during cold, rainy winter months when the humans stay inside. Plus, leftover food can rot, spread diseases, and attract rodents.

Can You Feed Ducks Rice?

Throwing rice at brides and grooms has been a tradition in this country for centuries. Lately, I've heard it said that it is not healthy for the birds, because uncooked rice expands in their bellies, which is life threating for them. Fact or myth? Some say cooked rice is better and others believe uncooked rice is just fine. While the empty calories from carbs may fatten them up and help keep them warm in cold weather, seeds have more nutrition value than rice.

What to Feed Birds

What to feed birds depends upon their size. Ducks and geese are large enough to enjoy corn without the cob, oats, seeds, mealworms, and chopped greens. A quality commercial duck feed is also a good choice.

What Not to Feed Birds

Salty foods dehydrate birds and moldy or stale foods can make them sick. Milk, coconut, and fat are also a no-no for birds. The milk and coconut causes distress and the fat can coat their wings. Cracker, cookies, chips (junk foods) are unhealthy for ducks, geese, and other birds, and are unhealthy for you. This duckling doesn't know better, but you do!

See a list of bird feed for sale here...

Bread

Never feed them white or any other kind of bread!

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