Duck treats

[Myrkk]

I did a search for this but all I got was threads on ailments.

What treats do your ducks love?

I currently have two ducks stomping loudly up and down the garden as I’ve given the chickens their daily treat (this is either sweetcorn or a proprietary chicken treat block) and the ducks are most displeased. The ducks do get a daily treat of mealworms sprinkled in their water but they eat these is seconds whereas the chickens take their time with their treats. I’m thinking is there something longer lasting I can give the ducks?

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

When I used to own ducks I would give them a nice cilantro snack, Sometimes I would even give them half a watermelon and they go crazy for watermelon!

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

Good Question. I have often thought the speed of them eating mealworms wasn't all that "fun". They get used to me having the bucket and race over in a panic to get the worms, inhale them and beg for more like they haven't eaten in months.

I am interested to see what other people do.

 

[WaterfowlsPoultry]

Good Question. I have often thought the speed of them eating mealworms wasn't all that "fun". They get used to me having the bucket and race over in a panic to get the worms, inhale them and beg for more like they haven't eaten in months.

I am interested to see what other people do.

They act like if they don't get another meal worm they will combust sometimes!

Of course I could not have forgotten about the meal worms, Quite healthy and nutritious for them, They inhale them so fast they are gone by the time you blink!

 

[Quatie]

There really are not longer lasting treats for ducks. If they love the treat, they inhale it. If they don't, they will either ignore it or eventually accept and eat it. The slowest is when I sprinkle it around on the ground. They have to go around and find it.

There are lots of things you can give ducks. Peas, lettuce, sunflower seeds, zucchini, pumpkin, melons, apple, cucumber, tomatoes (not green ones), fish (live ones as well), peppers, herbs, and I could continue to list more and more.

Limit fruits because of the sugar. No garlic, onion or avocado. Limit foods like spinach because it will reduce calcium uptake.

Otherwise you mostly just need to try foods out and see what they like. Each duck and flock is a bit different.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

When i had ducks they loved peas, watermelon, and bits ot lettuce.

 

[fowltemptress]

Mine love watermelon, peas, lettuce, and shredded squash, but they're fast eaters in general. I dumped minnows from a bait shop in their pools once, thinking having to catch the fish would slow them up some, but ducks are quick with great beak eye coordination.

The best way I've found to slow them down is to gather up a pile of leaves and then sprinkle their treat in the pile. The treats will sink down into the pile, so the ducks take time nosing through it all to find everything.

 

[KathiQuacks]

Mealworms, watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, grapes, peas, corn, apples.. All of my ducks really like their own cooked eggs, too, shell and all. Cut larger treats into thin strips / slices, or bite sized pieces.

I agree with scattering or hiding the treats. Mine too will scarf treats down like they’re starving.

 

[Myrkk]

Thanks everyone, something to think about. We cleared up the leaves last night sadly but I’m sure there will be more along soon. That sounds like a good way to enrich their environment and keep them busy.

 

[happy hacker]

I did a search for this but all I got was threads on ailments.

What treats do your ducks love?

I currently have two ducks stomping loudly up and down the garden as I’ve given the chickens their daily treat (this is either sweetcorn or a proprietary chicken treat block) and the ducks are most displeased. The ducks do get a daily treat of mealworms sprinkled in their water but they eat these is seconds whereas the chickens take their time with their treats. I’m thinking is there something longer lasting I can give the ducks?

My ducks love silver beet, worms, slaters, baby mice, rice. haha ours have also been raised with chickens so that may explain a few things