Ducks eating charcoal

[JoyAnna]

I have a fire pit where I burn tree and yard waste (here in the Pacific Northwest). These two rescued Ancondas have taken to getting in and dabbling for bits of charcoal. Is this harmful? Of course, then when they head for the water dish, the water immediately turns black. They are finally eating more of the the good feed, but still mostly dig in the dirt and loose dry vegetation, along with some greens. I also wonder if they are drawn to the ashes for some of the nutrition they missed earlier. I'm trying to decide if I should put a tarp over the fire pit (until our burn-ban is lifted).

 

[Amiga]

Good clean charcoal from hardwood is fine for ducks (or people). It is used to absorb toxins in the gut.

I am not as sure about softwood charcoal (if there is such a thing . . . . those burn up pretty quickly, don't they?). But I would be more concerned about the ashes themselves, which are very very alkaline. Ashes plus water equals lye, very caustic. Can cause chemical burns, something not good for duck mouths and throats.

(Looks like I am not awake yet. Usually I write in complete sentences.

)

 

[veronicasmom]

I would be concerned if it was charcoal briquettes from a bag. Those are treated with chemicals. I think just pcs of burned wood that are actually just charred are not really a problem, but as Amiga said, the ashes might be. JMO

 

[Wokawidget]

Everytime I have a fire outside within a day the ash is gone. Wild birds, my chickens, ducks and house pigs gobble it up.They eat the edges while it's still burning in the center...I constantly shoe them away. They seem fine with heat...if given the chance when you turn your back they steal food from a hot BBQ!!!

About ten years ago we had a huge fire in a field where there were cows...about 10m diameter.
By 7am the next day the entire fire had gone and all was left was a huge ring of cow pat where they'd all stood in a circle. Animals love the stuff.

Be carefull of things like nails, staples etc than could be laying in the ash.

cheers,

Woka

 

[Oregon Blues]

It won't hurt your ducks beyond getting them dirty. Wood ash contains a lot of calcium. You might put out a dish of oyster shell for your ducks if you haven't already.

Other than that, ducks like to grub around in the dirt. It's normal behavior and doesn't say anything about their diet. As long as they have access to some good balanced diet foods, they are fine with digging around.

 

[JoyAnna]

Thanks for the replies. This is all so new for me and I'm learning as fast as I can. I even piled some unburned branches over the top to deter them, but they managed to get through. My instinct says they must be getting something they want (need?) and if that is so, it is just my aversion to their water turning black with the first drink. If they are getting something good, then the black water is an even better source. I am a bit concerned about the possibility of nails, etc., but that would be a minimal risk since it is mostly tree branches and an occasional large nail in old wood pieces. I have to buy more feed now, so will pick up some oyster shell since one just started laying this week!