Feeding ducks at the park? First, do no harm.

It’s cute, it’s wholesome and, sometimes, it’s even romantic. Feeding the ducks at the park is an activity that brings so much joy – but the wrong food can make this a less than idyllic pastime.

These days, it’s fairly common knowledge that birds and bread don’t go well together. However, there are still some who persist in buying that cheap bag of bread and throwing it around waterways for ducks and other waterfowl.

Sure, the birds will be happy about it to begin with, but their happiness will be short lived. Sliced bread is a highly processed carbohydrate, and does more harm than good for ducks over time. Uneaten bread rots around waterways, raising nutrient levels and as the weather warms up can pose a risk of botulism as harmful bacteria breeds.

It’s also junk food for ducks, providing short-term energy and sugars, but none of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Lucky Duck is a healthy choice

We know it’s a nice feeling to feed the birds, so for our waddling buddies, we developed Lucky Duck, a duck-specific formula packed with New Zealand-grown wholefoods: oats, barley, sorghum, kibbled maize and high protein pellets. Unlike bread, this blend mimics the natural variety of their food sources in the wild and provides all the nutritional elements they need.

But aside from carrying a bag or two with you everywhere you go (which is a great idea but perhaps not overly practical), what should you do if you see ducks getting tossed dinner rolls at your local picnic spot? Here are four ways you can help.

Get in touch with your local council
It’s in councils’ best interests that their local parks and recreation areas don’t become unsightly contamination sites with outbreaks of avian botulism. If you regularly see people feeding ducks with bread either call or email your council and let them know. At the very least, busy spots should have signs warning the public, or duck feeding stations where healthy food is available.

Don’t harass the bread feeders
If you see someone feeding inappropriate food to ducks or other wild birds, a friendly chat is all that’s needed. Let them know that it is harmful and that there are better alternatives. It’s likely they didn’t know any better.

Set an example and share the love
Take along some Lucky Duck to share around. If you see others feeding unhealthy food, give them a bit of your own to try. Children in particular love being told how they’re helping out – so encourage the right behaviour when they’re most likely to listen.

Support the cause
There are a number of worthy organisations that help birds and deserve support. Bird Rescue run centres throughout New Zealand, helping injured and sick birds back to good health. Forest and Bird also does great work that requires consistent financial support. Of course, helping to keep our birds healthy in the first place is our best bet – and that’s what providing good feed is all about!