Duck Football

[Tevyes Dad]

When a head of romaine has been chewed down to its core, we toss it to the ducks and they play "Duck Football." That is one tries to run off with it and chew it at the same time, and the others try to intercept it. It usually charges possession several times before the winner manages to swallow it.

Now although this is very amusing, I am concerned it might not be too bright. So I put it to you that know duck anatomy better than I do to educate me.

The core stays pretty round, so I can't see it rotating (like a stick might) and getting stuck. It seems that once they can get it past their mouths, it falls straight through to their crops so it doesn't SEEM to be a choking hazard.

Even though it is very firm, I would think it is fairly digestable,and unlikely to pack up in their crops (like bread.)

They only get one per day and have access to plenty of grit and water.

Does anyone have any experience / knowledge that this might be harmful? I would hate to hurt them, but it seems to entertain them as much as it entertains us.

Thanks for any input...

 

[Amiga]

I think anything can happen, but I let my ducks chew on lettuce stems, too, so far no tragedies.

 

[Tevyes Dad]

@ Amiga Thanks! I know there are no guaranties, but I feel better if you do this also especially since you have runners. In my flock, even though i also have runners, my Pekin or my White Crested usually end up swallowing it. (They can do it while it's bigger.) It can be the size of a plum when they get it, but it is usually down to the size of a big grape when they swallow it.

 

[Amiga]

I remember watching in horror as Einz swallowed a hickory nut. I watched it go down. Then that evening I heard it crackling as her "tummy" ground it up.

 

[Timily Farms]

My ducks used to eat walnuts shell and all. I don't remember it hurting them and they loved yhem

 

[Tevyes Dad]

@Amiga The progression of emotions in a situation like that

 

[Tevyes Dad]

@Timily Farms WOW! Game on with the football then.

 

[Amiga]

@Amiga The progression of emotions in a situation like that

Yup, that's it. There needs to be an emoticon for holding one's breath, praying.