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Kale is considered one of the best superfoods available to humans, but have you ever wondered if ducks can eat kale?
Yes, ducks can eat kale! Read on to learn more about feeding this nutritional leafy green to your ducks!
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Nutritional Benefits
Kale is popular for being a healthy snack packed with nutrients.
These nutrients are also beneficial for ducks. Kale has niacin which is vital for the health of ducks and ducklings.
The phosphorous and calcium in kale helps to develop strong bones and strengthens the eggshells that the female ducks will lay.
The potassium and sodium maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, while the high fiber content aids the duck’s digestive system.
Kale is also known for containing vitamin C, which ducks cannot produce on their own and must receive through their diet.
The vitamin C will support the immune health of these waterfowls.
Can Ducks Eat Kale Stems and Leaves?
Yes, ducks can eat both the leaves and the stems of this leafy vegetable.
Both parts of this vegetable provide the same nutritional benefits for ducks.
The stems are especially high in fiber and are completely edible, although it is recommended to chop the stem and leaves into smaller pieces when serving it to ducks.
Can Baby Ducks Eat Kale?
No, ducklings cannot eat kale.
Kale should only be given to ducks who are at least 4 weeks old and should be introduced slowly and in small amounts until they are accustomed to having it in their diet.
Can Ducks Eat Frozen or Cooked Kale?
Yes, ducks can eat both frozen and cooked kale.
However, while ducks can eat cooked kale it will have a lower nutritional value and is much less beneficial for ducks than fresh raw kale.
Cooked kale may also be made with spices or butter, both of which are bad for ducks to ingest.
Frozen kale is a suitable choice to feed to your ducks, however you should ensure that the kale is completely thawed out before feeding it to your animals.
Can Pekin Ducks Eat Kale?
Yes, Pekin Ducks can eat kale as well.
Like other species of ducks, kale should make up only a small part of a versatile diet for the animal.
You can follow the same general guidelines to feed kale to your Pekin ducks.
Feeding Kale to Ducks and Ducklings
When feeding kale to ducks, make sure to introduce the food into their environment slowly and in small quantities.
Chop the leaf and stem into small pieces and place it in their water bowl for the ducks to find.
Once they are used to eating kale, feed them 2 or 3 chopped up leaves only twice a week.
Feeding kale more often than that may result in your ducks becoming sick due to the high-water and high fiber content of the vegetable or could create nutritional imbalances for the animal.
In Conclusion
Kale is a wonderful treat to provide for your ducks, but only ducks 4 weeks or older should be fed this vegetable.
Kale, like much else in the duck’s diet, should be offered in moderation.