For many people, feeding the ducks is a popular past-time that both kids and adults enjoy, however unfortunately bread is like fast food for ducks. For them, one slice of bread is equivalent to three slices of pizza, and can lead to long term nutritional imbalances, increase the risk of disease and alter the duck’s natural behaviour.
A Ducks Diet
Ducks and other waterbirds are expert foragers and great at finding all the food they need growing and living naturally around our local waterways. Whilst mostly vegetarian, many ducks will supplement their diet with small crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects.
Many duck species are also referred to as Dabbling Ducks. They will dabble in the shallow water amongst aquatic vegetation or plunge their head under the surface whilst raising the tail end vertically to forage for food deeper in the water.
Alternative options
Whilst we don’t recommend duck feeding in our local waterways, we do love that the Wyndham community have the opportunity to enjoy interactions with our local wildlife.
Rather than feeding the ducks, why not challenge yourself to identify as many different duck or waterbird species as you can each time you visit Wyndham’s open spaces?
- How many Pacific Black Ducks can you see?
- Can you tell the difference between a female Chestnut Teal and a Grey Teal?
- Are there any ducklings around?
- Look out for any wading birds! If you watch a White-faced Heron long enough, you can often see them catch a frog for lunch.
If you can’t resist feeding our web-footed friends the occasional treat, it’s ok to feed them:
- cut grapes
- cooked rice
- peas and corn
- oats
- chopped lettuce
You can also help protect our wildlife by keeping your dogs on a lead around waterways, and your cat safe inside your house.
Please report any wildlife injuries visit Wildlife Victoria or call (03) 8400 7300.