There are many parks and ponds in New York State filled with ducks. Feeding ducks is something a lot of people enjoy. It feels like a fun way to connect with nature. But there’s one thing many don’t realize: feeding ducks bread is bad for them.
Bread fills ducks up without giving them the nutrients they need. When ducks eat too much of it, they can end up with health problems. One serious issue is called angel wing, which affects how their wings grow and can keep them from flying.
Bread can also cause problems in the water. When uneaten bread sits around, it starts to rot. This can lead to mold, algae growth, and an increase in pests. It makes the water unhealthy not just for ducks, but for fish and other animals too.
If you want to feed ducks, there are better options. Peas, corn, oats, chopped lettuce, and halved grapes are all good choices. Even birdseed or duck pellets from a pet store can work well.
It also helps to toss the food on the grass instead of in the water. That way, the ducks can eat safely without adding waste to the pond…