It’s no secret that just about every living creature loves bananas. If you’re new to having ducks or just want to know if you can add some new tastes to their diet, you might be researching duck-safe items to feed them.
Bananas are super delicious, easy to eat, and relatively cheap. But the real question is can ducks eat bananas? Ducks can absolutely eat bananas if they want to. Bananas are incredibly nutritious and very safe, making them the perfect treat. Hand-feeding bananas can help you bond with your quacking buddies, so that’s an extra perk, too. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Duck Diet: Where Do Bananas Fit In?
Your flock might be guilty of getting into things that aren’t very good for them at all. Ducks will scurry about the yard, snacking on pretty much anything they come across. So, it’s always essential to keep your duck completely safe, giving them only items their bodies can digest.
In a day, ducks benefit greatly from grazing on different shrubs, grasses, and grains. They can eat a variety of fresh fruits, grains, and veggies. They also love to eat insects of all sorts of varieties.
The main staple in their diet should be commercial duck food because it gives them the precise nutrition they need in a day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add an occasional delicious snack, such as bananas, for your feathered friends to feast on.
Banana Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 banana
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Potassium: 422 mg
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
Vitamins & Minerals
- Vitamin A: 1%
- Vitamin C: 17%
- Iron: 1%
- Vitamin B6: 20%
- Magnesium: 8%
Are Bananas Good for Ducks?
Bananas are highly nutritious for ducks. They provide a well-rounded dose of nutrients that adds to their existing diet. Bananas are soft, easy to digest, and packed full of essential vitamins and minerals.
Can Ducks Eat Banana Peels?
Ducks can absolutely benefit from eating banana peels as well. However, banana skins are tough and somewhat hard to chew. Since your ducks have rounded beaks, it can be more difficult for them to tear into the skin.
Just make sure to dice up the banana peel into small, easily digestible portions. You can even mix the peel with mashed-up bananas or other fruits and veggies.
Can Ducks Eat Unripe or Green Bananas?
Pet owners might be cautious when it comes to giving their ducks unripe foods. After all, some unripe foods can be hazardous to animals. However, you’ll be happy to know the bananas aren’t on the caution list.
Ducks can eat unripe, green bananas or banana skins. The greener the bananas, the higher the antioxidant levels, which can be beneficial. However, the more unripe the banana is, the harder the fruit. So, you will need to take extra caution to mince both the peel and banana into edible portions.
How to Feed Your Ducks Bananas
If you’ve watched your little ducks gobble up their goodies, you know just how quickly they scarf things down. Ripe bananas are incredibly soft, making it easy for your ducks to pick apart and swallow.
To make things even easier, you can try to mash the bananas first. Your ducks will surely appreciate it. They might love it so much that they will eat them right from your hand. Hand-feeding creates a level of trust with your flock.
Just remember to give your ducks small sections of banana about once per week. They won’t need to fill up on sugar-filled fruits as much as they will greenery and grain; moderation is your friend.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that ducks can enjoy bananas at any stage of ripeness. They will benefit greatly from the nutrients and adore the taste.
Remember that if you choose to feed your duck unripe bananas or banana peels, make the pieces very tiny to prevent choking or gagging. It would be best if you didn’t rely on bananas as a staple in your duck diet. However, it is a fantastic treat to add to your duck-safe foods list.
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- Can Ducks Eat Cucumber? What You Need to Know!
- Can Ducks Eat Oats? What You Need to Know!
- Can Ducks Eat Chicken Feed? What You Need to Know!
Featured Image Credit: Kim Loan Nguyen thi, Pixabay