Adult ducks nibbling pine shavings

[Galaxyfalcon]

I've seen some discussion about ducklings eating pine shavings, but not full-grown adult ducks. I've got some ducks inside because it's really cold right now and one of them is sick/recovering from some health issues, and she has had problems eating. Today she's been nibbling at some pine shavings in addition to nibbling at some mushy duck pellets and oyster shells. Should I be concerned at all with the pine shavings? I'm sort of assuming that it might work a little like grit for them but can't be entirely sure.

 

[Peas4Ducks]

She’s probably just mouthing them, but I think even if she’s swallowing a few it probably won’t hurt her. I’ve been following your other thread—I hope your duck recovers!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've seen some discussion about ducklings eating pine shavings, but not full-grown adult ducks. I've got some ducks inside because it's really cold right now and one of them is sick/recovering from some health issues, and she has had problems eating. Today she's been nibbling at some pine shavings in addition to nibbling at some mushy duck pellets and oyster shells. Should I be concerned at all with the pine shavings? I'm sort of assuming that it might work a little like grit for them but can't be entirely sure.

Dies she have some grit in there with her? not in her food but close by?

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

We typically haven't offered grit specifically, since we have a decent sized yard they normally do a good job picking up little bits of this as they're going around foraging. Would it be worth it to put a little grit in there?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I would since she doesn't have access to the outside right now. That way if she did eat a few shaving she'd have the grit to break it up. And she may have been looking for something like that since she's been inside. Noodling in the shavings.
Plus your offering her food besides her reg feed which means she needs grit.

 

[telandra2]

Mine forage through the shavings looking for bugs so I now toss larvae in to reward them for going to bed. They also filter shavings in the water like they would mud. So far no issues after a year.

 

[telandra2]

I just remembered I saw my flock eating a rotting log, so wood seems a natural part of the diet. The were fighting over the moss but when that was gone they were eating the wood itself.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Any update since vet apt?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I just remembered I saw my flock eating a rotting log, so wood seems a natural part of the diet. The were fighting over the moss but when that was gone they were eating the wood itself.

My female goose knaws on wood like she is cutting teeth.