Proper duck food etiquette

Sunday was peaceful, cool and relaxed down by the creek. I even got a visit from a lady Mallard, although she wasn't thrilled to be sharing the creek with me and decided to go back upstream after eye-balling me for a moment. 

I want to feed them so they will get use to me but I didn't have the "proper" food to give. Bread, crackers, popcorn etc. are bad for them and should not be offered. I know this and yet I have done it.

Bad, bad, bad me!

This is a list of the "proper" duck food:

• Cracked corn
• Wheat, barley or similar grains
• Oats (uncooked; rolled or quick)
• Rice (cooked or uncooked)
• Milo
• Birdseed (any type or mix)
• Grapes (cut in half)
• Frozen peas or corn (defrosted, no need to cook)
• Earthworms
• Mealworms (fresh or dried)
• Chopped lettuce or other greens or salad mixes
• Vegetable trimmings or peels (chopped)

And, of course, duck feed pellets or poultry starter pellets are another great option, and they can be purchased from farming or agricultural supply stores, but I don't need a large amount of feed since I really don't see them that often.

By knowing what to feed ducks as part of a nutritious and responsible diet, birders can enjoy this activity without inadvertently harming their favorite waterfowl.

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