Feeding Ducks and Swans the right way, where and how.

Feeding waterfowl like ducks and swans can be a delightful and educational experience, especially for children. This activity not only provides nourishment for these birds but also creates opportunities for people to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife.

Best foods for waterfowl

When feeding ducks, swans, and other waterfowl, it's crucial to offer nutritious options that support their health. Specially formulated foods, such as Duck & Swan Food Pellets, provide a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. These pellets are designed to float on water, making them easily accessible to waterfowl. Another excellent option is Waterfowl Mixed Corn, which offers a variety of grains that birds enjoy and benefit from.

In addition to these commercial options, several natural foods can be safely offered to waterfowl:

1. Sweetcorn (fresh, tinned, or frozen)
2. Lettuce and other leafy greens (torn into small pieces)
3. Frozen peas (defrosted)
4. Oats
5. Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, etc.)
6. Rice (cooked or uncooked)

Do not over feed or leave unconsumed food in the area that could go off - only offer the amount they'll eat without waste. Moderation is best.

Avoiding bread

Bread is harmful to waterfowl for several reasons, with potentially serious consequences:

1. Poor nutrition: Bread lacks essential nutrients that waterfowl need for a healthy diet. It fills their stomachs without providing proper nourishment, which can lead to malnutrition.

2. Angel wing: A bread-heavy diet can contribute to a condition called "angel wing" or "airplane wing," especially in young birds. This wing deformity prevents birds from flying properly and can be incurable in adults.

3. Overcrowding and habitat damage: Regularly feeding bread can cause unnatural overcrowding of bird populations in specific areas. This can lead to stress among the birds, damage to their habitats, and excessive droppings that reduce water quality.

4. Water pollution: Uneaten bread can rot in the water, leading to increased algae growth, more diseases, and attracting pests like rats.

5. Dependence on human-provided food: Birds may become reliant on bread and lose interest in foraging for their natural food sources. This can be dangerous if the human food source is suddenly removed, potentially leading to starvation.

6. Disease spread: Overcrowding due to bread feeding increases the risk of disease transmission among birds. Additionally, moldy bread can cause a fatal lung condition called aspergillosis in ducks.

7. Ecosystem disruption: Bread attracts other animals like rats and potential predators, which can threaten the ducks' ecosystem and compete for their natural food sources.

To avoid these harmful effects, it's recommended to feed waterfowl more appropriate foods such as vegetables, grains, or specially formulated waterfowl food. This ensures the birds receive proper nutrition while minimising the negative impacts on their health and environment.

Benefits of proper feeding

Providing appropriate nutrition to waterfowl offers several benefits:

1. Improved health: Nutritious foods support the birds' immune systems and overall well-being.
2. Environmental education: Feeding waterfowl responsibly teaches children about wildlife conservation.
3. Population monitoring: Regular feeding allows for informal observation of local waterfowl populations.
4. Community engagement: Feeding areas often become social spaces for people to gather and enjoy nature.

Best places to feed waterfowl in the UK

The United Kingdom offers numerous locations suitable for feeding waterfowl:

• Local parks with ponds or lakes
• Canal towpaths
• Wetland reserves
• Coastal areas (for seabirds)

When visiting these locations, always follow local guidelines and use designated feeding areas when available.

Engaging children

Feeding waterfowl is an excellent way to introduce children to nature. It encourages:

• Observation skills
• Respect for wildlife
• Understanding of ecosystems
• Appreciation for the outdoors