Did you know that the ancient tribes used chia seeds to endure battles and hunting expeditions? And did you know that chia seeds come from the plant in the mint family?
Either way, what is more important is that your ducks can eat chia seeds. Read more to find out how much and how often you can give them this healthy seed.
What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are seeds from the plant Salvia Hispanica that originate in Central America.
This tiny grey seed is edible for ducks, and after you soak it in some fluid, you will notice a gel consistency.
What’s also interesting is that it can absorb around ten times its weight when you put it in water or some other liquid.
Chia Seeds Benefits for Ducks
If you give your ducks chia seeds in moderation, you will improve their health.
This is not the healthiest seed out there, but they will get 16% protein, 31% fat, 34% fiber, B vitamin, Iron, Calcium even Niacin.
And the omega-3 fatty acids are mainly unsaturated, meaning these fats are beneficial for your duck’s blood cholesterol, problems with inflammation, and heart rhythm.
How Much Can Chia Seeds Ducks Eat?
You can soak chia seeds in the water right before you serve.
You will notice how hygroscopic chia seeds are, meaning seeds will absorb and hold water.
So, if you give your ducks raw and dry chia seeds (mix with their feed no more than 10%), remember that chia seeds will absorb water from your duck’s stomach.
So, as always, keep water close. However, I suggest soaking chia seeds in the water before you give them.
Can Ducks Eat Raw Chia Seeds?
You can mix raw and dry chia seeds with duck feed.
However, don’t give your ducks chia seeds regularly. You can give them chia seeds a few times a month.
If you give them more, it won’t hurt, but you need to know that chia seeds don’t have the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that specially formulated duck feed has.
So keep chia seeds on their plate (or mixed with duck feed) as an occasional snack, nothing more than that.
It’s best not to feed them more than once a week with chia seeds. Also, if you have more than 10-20 ducks, remember that chia seeds are not cheap.
Baby Ducks and Chia Seeds
Ducklings should always eat food that is specially prepared for them.
Nutrient-rich, niacin-rich food that you should give them in the early days is crucial. You can feed them chia seeds after they pass those four weeks.
That way, you won’t fill them with food that is not essential for their tiny bodies at such early age.
Final Words
Chia seeds are a great source of dietary minerals, Calcium and even all fatty acids are unsaturated. Your ducks will appreciate chia seeds as an occasional snack (once a week).
To avoid stomach upset, don’t give them more than that, and don’t forget to soak chia seeds in the water before you serve.