Ducks can eat a plethora of different foods. Seeds are often a staple part of a duck’s diet. On this page, we want to answer the question; can ducks eat sunflower seeds? This way, you can work out whether to give them to your duck or not.
Can Ducks Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Yes, ducks can eat sunflower seeds. In fact, there is a strong chance that they have already eaten sunflower seeds at some point. This is because duck feed and seed mixes will have sunflower seeds added to them.
Your ducks will probably love them, although they probably shouldn’t be overindulging in sunflower seeds. If they do, they will not be getting all the nutrients that they need into their diet.
The main reason why ducks should be having sunflower seeds is that there will be tons of nutrients in there that would be great for the ducks. This includes:
- Vitamin E: this will help your ducks to have a nice and strong immune system.
- Vitamin B6: this is another vitamin that will boost your duck’s immune system.
- Magnesium
How Often Can Ducks Eat Sunflower Seeds?
Just as with any other treat, the sunflower seeds can be given to ducks once or twice per week. Do not give sunflower seeds to ducklings. At least until they are 4 weeks old.
Remember that the seeds in general are hard for the ducks to digest them well, so do not overfeed them.
You can use the sunflower seeds as a replacement for the grit.
We want to point out here that some seeds like the apple seeds are toxic for ducks. You can read more in our article about “can ducks eat apples?”.
How to Prepare Sunflower Seeds for your Ducks?
Honestly, when it comes to preparing sunflower seeds for your ducks, there isn’t much that you need to do. In fact, you can just give them a handful of sunflower seeds and your ducks will eat them rather quickly.
You do not have to remove the shells from the sunflower seeds. Your duck’s bill will be more than capable of doing that.
Although, there are no issues with giving them sunflower seeds that have had their shells removed.
Your only real concern when you are preparing sunflower seeds for ducks will be to ensure that the seeds are not salted.
Some of the packets of sunflower seeds that you can purchase from your local supermarket will have salt on them. This is going to be bad for your ducks.
You will also need to remember that sunflower seeds are high in calories. Your ducks should not be eating too many of them as a result.
Some sunflower seeds will also pick up a metal from the soil the producing plant was grown in.
This metal is normally fine for ducks but, if your duck consumes too much of it, then they will have kidney damage.
In order to ensure that your ducks are feasting upon the best nutrients, then we also suggest that you do not just give them sunflower seeds. Instead, the sunflower seeds should probably be part of a seed mix.
If you look at your duck’s feed, then you may even notice that it has some sunflower seeds in it.
Conclusion
Sunflower seeds are fantastic for ducks, and your duck should have no problems having a few of them in their diet.
Your one concern should be ensuring that you do not give them sunflower seeds that have been salted.
This could be incredibly bad for the duck. Just make sure that you give them some quality sunflower seeds, and this will normally come in duck feed, and your duck will love you!
Relate articles:
– Can ducks eat watermelon?
– Can ducks eat carrots?
