If you have ever wondered if ducks can eat pumpkin, and whether it is a good feeding choice for them, then you should read this article to the end
Can ducks eat pumpkin? Yes ducks can eat pumpkin. Not only is pumpkin a nice change of pace for your duck’s palette, it is also a healthy and nutritious food for your duck. Pumpkin contains numerous minerals and vitamins that ensures that your birds grow up big and strong and are also free from diseases. However you must be cautious and ensure that you serve them in moderation and avoid giving them the seeds.
What are the health benefits of pumpkin for ducks?
Feeding your ducks with pumpkin is a very good idea and one I will personally recommend because pumpkins contain lots of minerals and nutrients that your ducks require to function properly.
Here are some of the health benefits
- It contains Vitamin A – This helps protect the immune system of your birds and also gives them clear eyesight and vision.
- Vitamin C – It is a powerful antioxidant that boosts up the immune system and also aids enzymatic reactions in the body.
- Alpha Carotene and Vitamin E – These are also antioxidants in the bird’s body that regulate enzymatic activities and also prevents damages to the cells
- Calcium – This nutrients helps in providing strong bones and beaks as wells as other important body functions
- Iron – This helps with the respiratory system and aids the flow of oxygen at a cellular level.
- Lutein – This helps improve the eyes, skin and feathers of your birds ensuring that they grow up big and healthy.
Pumpkin is also low in calories and has a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers which makes it an effective solution for diarrhea and constipation.
The seeds when grounded (make sure not to feed them whole seeds as this might lead to choking) are an excellent choice for treating tapeworm infection.
Related: Check out this article I wrote on “Are ducks smart?”
What type of pumpkin is safe for my ducks?
In my opinion the plain canned pumpkin is what you should feed your ducks.
Or if you have leftovers from your kitchen then you can also feed them that.
What i usually do is I make it into a kind of bowl, then I add some dog food, apples, grapes and lettuce and feed it to them
My ducks like it so much and they always always finish their food.
Can Ducks Eat Pumpkin Skin?
Another very important question I get is can ducks eat pumpkin skin? Yes ducks can eat pumpkin skin and they love it. The skin is very nutritious and healthy which is rich in carbohydrates and fat.
In my experience, everything about pumpkin – from the skin to the seeds and the fruit itself is very nutritious for feeding ducks.
Can Ducks Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
The seeds contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytonutrients and are an awesome source of magnesium, potassium and calcium which is very good for strong bone formation in your birds.
Also they are very good in producing healthy oils and polyunsaturated fats that help in strong feathers and shiny skin.
Here is how I feed the skin to my birds.
First I make sure I dry or roast the seeds properly to remove all moisture
Then I grind them in a powerful blender or food grinder till it is finely blended.
As usual when introducing new food to your birds, you want to start small and observe for any allergic reactions before you continue.
Check out this article I wrote on what do ducks eat
How can I give my ducks pumpkin?
There are many ways in which you can introduce pumpkin to your birds.
How I do it is to serve in moderation and as treats for good behaviour.
Pumpkin is a great addition to homemade duck food and treats and it can also be mixed with your duck’s normal everyday diet.
However you choose to serve pumpkin to your ducks, ensure that you observe healthy portions for their dietary needs and always consult your vets if you have doubts.
Can too much pumpkin be dangerous for my ducks?
Like all things you want to ensure that your ducks are fed a balanced diet.
Meaning equal proportion of all nutrients and minerals in their daily diet
Feeding them only pumpkin everyday might become toxic and cause more harm than good.
Like I mentioned earlier, pumpkin contains beta carotene which can be converted to Vitamin A when digested. And too much vitamin A in the ducks body is not advisable.
Is Cooked pumpkin okay for ducks?
Yes both the cooked and raw ones can be eaten by your ducks without any issues.
In my experience, the seeds, skins and flesh of both cooked and raw pumpkin can be fed to your birds unless it it not a rotten one that has been left untouched for weeks.
Conclusion
Pumpkin is very healthy and nutritious and you can definitely feed it to ducks.
It contains lots of minerals and nutrients that are necessary for the healthy growth of your birds.
Also they are very good for use as treats when rewarding or teaching your ducks new tricks or behavior.
