Feeding ducks coconut oil?

CarrieDucks

Hatching
7 Years
May 14, 2012
7
5
9
Has anyone ever fed their ducks coconut oil? I have read about all of the positive effects that it can have on dogs and cats and their coats, but I recently thought about trying to use it with my indian runner duck, to help with some of his dander shedding (he's an inside duck, so the more I can reduce the dander the less vacuuming I have to do). I also thought this might be a helpful supplement during molting time. I have a syringe from past medications that I've cleaned and that I could use to administer the coconut oil directly into his mouth, so I'm not too worried about that.

Let me know if anyone has tried this!
 
How old is your little duck? The dander sounds like the normal fallout (pardon the term) from new feathers coming in. Little waxy flakes all over the place.

That goes away. Nothing abnormal.

For the record, there are folks on the duck forum who, I believe, have given their ducks small amounts of coconut oil, just on their food, and with no problems.

For feathers, I like to add some ground flax seeds for a boost. And a few bits of good quality cat kibble.
 
My duck is 2 years old. And the dander is kind of a constant problem, not just during molting season. (of course it's worst right now while he is growing new feathers).
 
I'm gonna start giving mine coconut oil soon, they're almost 5 months and haven't started laying so I want to make sure they have everything they need to be in good health, I know its supposed to be good for chickens but this is the only topic I've seen pop up about ducks. I hope someone else who's does this will chime in.
 
I use coconut oil on my ducks bills when they look dry (winter time) and they seem to love the message lol. I have never tried feeding it directly though.
 
Coconut oil is awesome in all the right places for the purpose of which it was intended for and not a cure all.

Yes it has great harmless values if you understand what is going on with your Poultry, external use only.

IMO, Do your research first. :)
 
I have two thoughts.

1. My understanding is that oil can be dangerous if aspirated so perhaps consider putting the oil on your duck's food if you decide to do this.

2. Depending on what you are feeding, your duck's diet was likely formulated to have the appropriate ratio of fats, protein, and carbohydrates by veterinarians and avian nutritionists. Personally I would feel concerned about messing with that ratio without veterinary advice. I have a duck with feather quality issues and my vet did recommend adding a little flax oil or freshly ground flax to her food. Unfortunately, it didn't help - but my problem was different from yours.

I've lived with parrots and other birds in the house before and it is normal for them to shed a lot of skin dander. I understand how messy they are. It's really hard to keep it all cleaned up.
 
I use cold pressed unrefined solid and I just put a couple Tab out in a bowl next to a feed bowl and I am not sure who’s eating it because I also have chickens. My dogs just eat it off my fingers
 

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