What do call ducks eat? Call ducks, like other domesticated ducks, have specific dietary needs that ensure they stay healthy, active, and productive. Providing the right food is essential for their overall well-being, as it helps them grow properly, produce eggs, and maintain good health. In this article, we’ll explore the best types of food for call ducks, their nutritional needs, and what you should be feeding your call ducks to keep them thriving.

What Do Call Ducks Eat? Understanding Their Nutritional Requirements

Call ducks are small, energetic ducks that are known for their distinctive sounds and charming appearance. Like all ducks, their diet should be well-balanced, consisting of the right combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s what you need to know about what call ducks eat:

1. Commercial Duck Feed

• Starter Feed for Ducklings: For young call ducks (ducklings), a high-quality starter feed is essential. This type of feed is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing ducks. It contains higher protein content (around 20-22%) to support their rapid growth and development.
• Grower Feed for Juvenile Ducks: As call ducks mature, you can switch to a grower feed with a slightly lower protein content (around 16-18%). This helps promote healthy growth without causing excessive weight gain.
• Layer Feed for Egg-Laying Ducks: For adult female call ducks that are laying eggs, a layer feed with 16-18% protein and added calcium is ideal. The calcium helps in producing strong eggshells, which is especially important for laying ducks.

2. Grains and Seeds

• Corn: Ducks enjoy eating corn, and it provides them with a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Cracked corn is an excellent option as it is easy for them to digest. However, corn should be fed in moderation as it is high in calories.
• Oats: Rolled or whole oats are a great addition to your call ducks' diet. Oats are rich in fiber and can help with digestion. Oats also provide essential vitamins and minerals to keep your ducks healthy.
• Barley and Wheat: These grains can be given to ducks in moderation, as they offer essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Millet and Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are often used as treats for ducks. They contain healthy fats and protein, making them a good energy source.

3. Vegetables and Greens

• Leafy Greens: Call ducks love leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, spinach, and dandelion greens. These vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and they provide essential minerals such as calcium and iron. Offer a variety of greens to keep your ducks interested and provide them with a range of nutrients.
• Carrots: Ducks enjoy eating carrots, which are a great source of beta-carotene (vitamin A) and fiber. You can chop the carrots into small pieces or feed them whole.
• Peas and Beans: Ducks also enjoy peas and beans, which are high in protein and fiber. Ensure that you feed peas and beans in moderation, as they can be quite filling.
• Cucumbers and Zucchini: These vegetables are hydrating and provide important vitamins. Ducks enjoy them both raw and chopped up.
• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Both of these vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals and can be fed to ducks in small amounts.

4. Fruits

• Berries: Call ducks love fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps boost their immune system.
• Apples: Ducks enjoy apples, but be sure to remove the seeds, as they can be toxic to ducks in large amounts. Apples provide a good source of vitamins and fiber.
• Bananas: Ducks enjoy bananas as an occasional treat. Bananas are high in potassium and vitamins but should only be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
• Grapes: Grapes can be given to ducks in small pieces. They are high in vitamins, but too many grapes can be a choking hazard, so always cut them into smaller pieces.

5. Protein Sources

• Insects: Call ducks are natural foragers and enjoy eating insects such as worms, snails, beetles, and other bugs. These protein-rich snacks are excellent for ducks and can be found naturally in their environment.
• Mealworms: You can also supplement your call ducks' diet with dried mealworms, which are a great protein source and can be offered as a treat.
• Fish: If your ducks have access to a pond or lake, they may naturally hunt for small fish or aquatic creatures, which provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: For extra protein, hard-boiled eggs can be a great addition to your ducks' diet. You can feed them in small amounts, as they are nutrient-dense.

6. Access to Fresh Water

• Water: Ducks need constant access to clean, fresh water to drink. It helps with digestion, hydration, and overall health. Ducks will also use water to wash their food and keep their bills clean.

7. Treats and Snacks

• Occasional Treats: Ducks enjoy treats such as cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and millet. You can also feed them occasional snacks like oats or small amounts of fruits, but remember to do so in moderation to avoid overfeeding.

What Do Call Ducks Eat? Important Feeding Tips

• Provide a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is essential for the health of your call ducks. Make sure their food includes a variety of grains, vegetables, protein sources, and occasional treats.
• Fresh Food: Always offer fresh food and remove any uneaten food from their feeding area to prevent contamination.
• Avoid Toxic Foods: Avoid feeding ducks any foods that are toxic to them, such as chocolate, avocado, and onions. These foods can cause serious health issues or even death.
• Proper Portion Size: Be mindful of portion sizes. Overfeeding ducks, especially with high-calorie foods like corn, can lead to obesity or health issues.

Conclusion: What Do Call Ducks Eat?

So, what do call ducks eat? Call ducks require a balanced diet that includes commercial duck feed, grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein sources like insects and mealworms. By providing them with a variety of fresh foods and treats, you can ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition to stay healthy and active. Always monitor their food intake, offer clean water, and avoid toxic foods to keep your call ducks happy and thriving.