Duck + Ants = ?

[oyenatalie]

My 1wk old mallard duckling was trying to eat ants today. I let him eat a few, but then I was like, "OMG WHAT THEY EAT HIS INSIDES?!?!" d: I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but, is it okay for ducks to eat ants?

 

[FenDruadin]

The ants won't eat his insides.

And I wouldn't worry about letting him eat them, but you'll probably notice eventually they'll become his least favorite food, because they do sometimes bite, and the ducks learn that pretty quickly and choose less feisty prey.

Ants are rarely dangerous to a duckling, but do be careful about placing their outdoor playpen near anthills, as hungry ants (especially fire ants!) can sometimes attack and kill baby animals (even something as large as a baby deer!). It has never happened to me, and I doubt it happens very often, I just thought I'd mention it because I wouldn't want you to think that ants are completely harmless all the time. Just be careful and you'll be fine.

 

[oyenatalie]

Thanks! He must have not gotten bit because he was going after them like crazy. It was so cute Lol

 

[suburbanduckmom]

I've thought about this too. I worry about ants that may have eaten poison and taken it outside. I'm assuming the volume is so small that it really couldn't hurt the ducks but I don't know.