Proper nutrition and foraging skills are important for the health of ducks, so they should not be fed in spring.
With the arrival of stable positive temperatures in spring, active feeding of ducks should be stopped, ornithologists warn.
Here are a few reasons:
1. Due to the abundance of easily accessible food, birds may misjudge suitable nesting sites. A “bread spot” may seem attractive, however, species-specific food necessary for raising offspring may be lacking.
2. In the wild, the diet of ducks is more balanced than the feed typically offered by people. Inappropriate nutrition can lead to so-called “angel wings.” Due to a lack of minerals found in natural food, the wings become deformed, making it difficult for the birds to take flight.
If you want to feed waterfowl, avoid white and black bread, salted seeds, and nuts. Ornithologists recommend using compound feed, millet, oatmeal, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, grass meal, and vitamin supplements.
