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Ducks are omnivorous foragers, and these birds are known to scavenge for food on land and in water.
As they swim through ponds, lakes, and rivers, ducks eat anything from aquatic plants to insects to fish eggs. So, do ducks also go diving for fish while in the water?
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We’re breaking down the facts around fish and ducks, so read on to discover whether or not you can add these scaly swimmers to your ducks’ dinner bowl.
Can Duck Eat Fish?
Yes, ducks can eat fish! Fish can be a great addition to your duck’s diet since they’re rich in protein and healthy fats and contain plenty of vitamins.
But like most foods, you don’t want to overdo it with fish. Your ducks will enjoy having this tasty treat in their diet, but make sure you’re using the best type of fish for ducks, preparing it properly, and offering it in moderation.
Nutritional Benefits
Fish have tons of nutritional benefits for humans; the same can be said for ducks. Fish are a healthy source of protein and provide ducks with amino acids that are essential for their health and well-being.
While some fish can be high in fat, plenty deliver a healthy dose of fatty acids, like omega 3, including salmon and herring. This is ideal for boosting the ducks’ immune system and preventing disease.
Fish also has tons of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D. These are important for supporting healthy bones in your ducks. Fish is also a great source of iron for ducks, and this mineral is especially important for baby ducks.
What to Know About Feeding Fish to Ducks
There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to feeding fish to your ducks.
Certain types of fish can contain high levels of mercury, which can cause serious health issues and even be fatal.
Fish such as tuna and mackerel are common species with high mercury levels, so be careful feeding these fish, and other high-mercury fish, to your ducks.
Fish can also carry parasites, so don’t feed raw fish to your duck to avoid passing any parasite to them. Properly cooking fish can kill these parasites and make them safe for consumption.
You should also be cautious about feeding bony fish to your ducks, as tiny bones can cause serious damage to a duck’s body and health. You can debone fish yourself or buy fish that has already been deboned.
How Often to Feed Fish to Your Ducks
You don’t want to feed fish to your ducks too often. Consider fish an occasional treat for your birds rather than something to give them daily.
Aim to give your ducks about two small portions of fish that have been cooked, deboned, and chopped only once a week or one small portion twice a week. If ducks are allowed to overeat fish, they can quickly become sick, so it’s better to feed them too little than too much.
Can Ducklings Eat Fish?
Yes, ducklings can eat fish once they are at least six months old! Follow the same guidelines for baby ducks – go for fish with low toxin levels, and make sure it is clean, cooked, deboned, and cut into small pieces to avoid choking.
Ducklings should be fed fish once a week at most. Since ducklings are more susceptible to sickness, you should be very careful not to overfeed them or give them fish before they are old enough.
In Conclusion
Both adult ducks and baby ducks can safely consume fish; just make sure you’re using a healthy fish that is properly prepared for them and do not overfeed them. If you follow these guidelines, your ducks can enjoy this tasty treat as part of a balanced diet.