What to feed ducks?!

[Smschiro]

my ducks don’t like their food.. they’re not eating it anymore. They are only wanting treats, like peas, lettuce, mealworms, etc. I’m worried they aren’t eating enough. Is there something else I can feed them besides the pelleted food on a regular basis? (They are kinda spoiled tho ) thanks

 

[JeanR]

Don't feed treats! Spoil them and you have problems. You can be their friend without spoiling them--well, at least cut back on treats that are "candy" and not proper FEED. Good luck!.

 

[junebuggena]

Stop feeding them treats. A healthy bird will not starve itself. Ducks can go a few days without eating, so don't be too worried. They will eventually eat when they get hungry enough.

 

[chickens really]

You created the Monsters and now need to totally change your feeding schedule..Ducks are hard to get onto a new feed, although not impossible...Tricking works but you need to get inventive....

 

[Smschiro]

They don’t get treats everyday, good grief. I’ve noticed they aren’t eating their feed tho. Does anyone know of a healthy alternative to the feed pellets? Because I’m worried they aren’t eating ENOUGH

 

[venymae]

I'd check and see if they actually are too skinny. Feel around their chests for the keel bone, it should feel like a half circle from the bone running down their front. If the half circle feels more like a divet with pudge coming out of either side, your duck might be a little overweight, If the bird has a prominent keel, they are too thin. Some birds naturally have a prominent keel, but in general- it is one of the better indicators of how thin/fat a bird is. The more prominent the keel, the less muscle tissue around it, hence the bird is thinner.

If they free range, they may just be getting a lot of their feed from other sources.

@Ravynscroft would this be correct?

 

[chickens really]

Provide balanced feed and they eat differently in cold weather, hormones, etc..Ducks are not Chickens..

 

[duck9147]

my ducks don’t like their food.. they’re not eating it anymore. They are only wanting treats, like peas, lettuce, mealworms, etc. I’m worried they aren’t eating enough. Is there something else I can feed them besides the pelleted food on a regular basis? (They are kinda spoiled tho ) thanks

Don't make my mistake it's a horrible idea to feed them treats and now they won't touch pellets and corns.. its not good for them and it's not good for you too

 

[chickens really]

Anyways...As all stated...Don't feed treats and no feed then expect them to eat feed?
To me Ducks are like Dogs and way too smart and hold off if treats are given...Puppies in Feathered suits...

 

[Smschiro]

I'd check and see if they actually are too skinny. Feel around their chests for the keel bone, it should feel like a half circle from the bone running down their front. If the half circle feels more like a divet with pudge coming out of either side, your duck might be a little overweight, If the bird has a prominent keel, they are too thin. Some birds naturally have a prominent keel, but in general- it is one of the better indicators of how thin/fat a bird is. The more prominent the keel, the less muscle tissue around it, hence the bird is thinner.

If they free range, they may just be getting a lot of their feed from other sources.

@Ravynscroft would this be correct?

ThanK you, I’ll check their keel bone