Feed or not to feed

Many families enjoy feeding the ducks at this very pond in Dalmuir Park. You yourself may have a piece of bread in your hand this very moment, and I realise that you have came here with the best of intentions of feeding the ducks. But, I bet you didn't realise that your feeding actions are actually detrimental to the very ducks you are trying to help!

Feeding bread to birds in large quantities is very bad - it is heavily processed and contains chemicals and preservatives that are not suitable for wild birds. When eaten excessively, bread will cause health problems for birds, including malnutrition and obesity. Bread contains very little protein (needed for muscle growth) or fat (needed for energy). Instead, bread is primarily a carbohydrate that will fill a bird's stomach and alleviate hunger, but provides little nutrition. Too much feeding can create excess waste and pollution, and leftover, uneaten food can attract rodents and foster disease.

Bread should never be offered regularly to birds, bread is like 'Candy' to a bird, and should only be offered as a rare treat. Birds are capable of fending for themselves, no matter the season or how much they beg. The best foods for ducks are those which provide the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins required for healthy growth.

Good Foods for Ducks

Cracked Corn, Wheat, Barley, or similar grains, Rice (cooked/uncooked), Milo, Birdseed (any type), Grapes (cut in half), Frozen Peas (defrosted no need to cook), Earthworms, Mealworms, Vegetable trimmings, Duck Feed Pellets.

Bad Foods for Ducks

Bread, Chips, Crackers, Popcorn, and similar bread type products and scraps.

We appreciate that you are doing a lovely thing by feeding the Dalmuir ducks - but please be aware that you are one of twenty people that could be feeding the ducks today.

Kind Regards

Greenspace Ranger Service