Bag the Bread!

The ponds in Central Park are one of the great perks of living in New York City. There are seven naturalistic water bodies in Central Park.  All of them have beautiful ducks and geese swimming and lounging around. One of our favorites is Turtle Pond because it also is filled with turtles.  

We, like many enjoy going to the park, also head to the ponds to feed the ducks and geese.  Many people are feeding them bread, chips, crackers, popcorn and similar bread type products.  Feeding them bread like products is the equivalent of giving them junk food which has little or no nutritional value. It can also harm ducklings’ growth, pollute waterways and attract rodents and other pests. Similarly, ducks should not be fed any products that are spoiled or moldy; different types of mold can be fatal to waterfowl. 

So what do you feed them? We’re glad you asked. The best foods to offer ducks include:

• Wheat
• Cracked corn
• Barley
• Oats
• Milo
• Birdseed
• Grapes (cut in half)
• Frozen peas or corn (defrosted)
• Earthworms
• Chopped lettuce
• Vegetable trimmings or peels (chopped)
• Duck feed pellets available from farm supply stores

Things to remember when feeding birds in parks or ponds:

• Stop feeding if the birds appear uninterested or are leaving the food uneaten.
• Be wary of birds that approach closely and remember that they can still be aggressive.
• Dispose of all trash properly, including bags, twist ties and unsuitable scraps.
• Do not allow pets or children to chase or disturb the birds.
• Always check city ordinances that restrict or prohibit feeding ducks or waterfowl, and obey all local laws.

Also, consider the fact that there are probably others that are also feeding the ducks and geese. So keep in mind not to over-do it. Too much food can cause them to have weight issues. This can result in many of the same problems we experience from overeating. They won’t starve without you. They are survivors and are excellent at foraging for food. 

Ducks, we love them.