Feeding A commercially prepared pellet, supplemented with leafy greens, will meet a duck’s nutritional requirements. As ducks scoop their food (rather than pecking), it will need to be provided in a flat container that allows for this action. The design of a duck’s bill also doesn’t allow it to pick up small food particles, so it’s important to provide a quality feed that is low in fines. Ducks will self-regulate their feeding, so food should be available at all times, just as with chickens. Be especially careful to check your feed for medications. Some medications added to turkey and chicken growing feeds are harmful for ducks. Water Ducks are waterfowls, so it’s important for them to have access to enough water to wash, groom and eat (though they don’t necessarily need a pond to swim in). They also need plenty of water to wash down their food. As a rule of thumb, a duck needs at least twice the amount of water as chickens and other land-based poultry. DID YOU KNOW? Bread is junk food to ducks and should only be provided occasionally as a treat. On no account should ducks be fed mouldy bread. THE CHOOK BOOK | 49