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Wild Birds
How to Feed Wild Baby Ducks Download Article Co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD and Kyle Hall
Last Updated: March 10, 2025
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Choosing Good Foods for Baby Ducks
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Feeding Rescued Baby Ducks
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This article was co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications. This article has been viewed 130,432 times.
There's a lot that goes in to caring for wild ducklings, like satisfying their huge appetites. If you’ve recently rescued some baby ducks, it’s important that you get them on a regular, nutritious diet so they grow into healthy full-sized birds. If you just want to feed baby ducks at the park, you should still give them healthy foods. By choosing the right food for ducklings and making sure you’re feeding them properly, you can ensure the baby ducks you're feeding are happy and healthy.
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Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Choosing Good Foods for Baby Ducks
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1 Give ducklings un-medicated duck or chick feed. Many feeds are medicated, so make sure you check the label on the packaging. Baby ducks can overdose on medicated feed and die. Un-medicated feed should be the main component of a duckling's diet.
2 Supplement their diets with fresh fruit and vegetables. Use a knife to finely chop the fruit and vegetables before you give them to the ducklings. Don’t give the ducklings large pieces of food or they could choke.
Try feeding them lettuce, carrots, grapes, broccoli, apples, pears, and celery.
If you're planning on feeding baby ducks at the park, chop some fruits and vegetables up and put them in a plastic to-go container before you go. Then when you get to the park you won't have to worry about breaking the food up into small pieces.
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3 Treat ducklings to dried mealworms. Sprinkle a few mealworms in with the other food you're feeding the baby ducks to give them extra protein. You can find mealworms at your local pet store or order them online.
For baby ducks at the park, you can sprinkle some of the mealworms on the ground or in the grass for the ducklings to find.
4 Add brewer's yeast to the food to give ducklings extra niacin. Niacin deficiency is common in baby ducks, and it can cause them to develop bowed legs. Sprinkling some brewer’s yeast into ducklings’ food is an easy way to get them the niacin they need.
If you're feeding baby ducks at the park, add the brewer's yeast to their food beforehand.
5 Feed ducklings crumbled bread, but not too much. Don’t give more than one slice a day per ten ducklings. Make sure the bread is finely crumbled so the baby ducks are able to swallow the pieces.
Bread lacks the nutrients baby ducks need. If you give them too much bread and they fill up on it, they won't eat other foods that are important for their health.
6 Bring along fresh water if you're feeding baby ducks in the park. Baby ducks need access to water when they're eating to help them get down their food. If you're not feeding the ducks near a pond or other water source, put down a plastic container and pour some fresh water into it. Make sure the ducklings can get in and out of the container easily.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Feeding Rescued Baby Ducks
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1 Make sure the baby ducks always have access to food. Baby ducks are self-feeders. After the ducklings' first few feedings, you can start putting their feed or pellet food in a food dispenser. Fill the dispenser whenever their food gets low. Supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and other treats daily.
2 Give the ducklings their food on a plate for their first few feedings. The baby ducks will be more likely to try out new food when it’s easily accessible to them. After a few feedings using the same types of foods, you can start putting the ducklings’ food in a food dish or dispenser. If you don’t have a plate, use another flat surface like the lid to a plastic container.
3 Provide water during every feeding. It’s important that ducklings always have water available when they’re eating. Water helps baby ducks swallow their food easier without choking. Refill the ducklings’ water container with fresh water before every feeding session.
Use a water container that’s easy for the ducklings to get in and out of. If the container you’re using has a high edge, place a rock inside and outside of the container so the ducklings can climb on it to get in and out.
Never fill the ducklings’ water container with more water than they can stand in. Rescued baby ducks are very susceptible to drowning.
4 Remove old, uneaten food from the ducklings’ living area every day. You want the baby ducks to be eating fresh food. Avoid putting new food on top of old food; it may deter the ducklings from eating.
5 Wash your hands after feeding the ducklings. Wild birds are prone to carrying diseases like salmonella. Even if you don’t actually touch the baby ducks when you’re feeding them, it’s still important that you wash your hands. Germs from the ducklings can transfer to their food and water dishes.
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Community Q&A
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Question We found a lost baby duckling. How can we take good care of it overnight, and will the mother duck come back in the morning? Conch bossinus Community Answer If it is small, grab a box box, add some heated tissues, and put the duck in there. Give it some water and very finely chopped celery. It is unlikely the mother will return, but you can keep an eye out. If the mother does not return, contact a bird rescue. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 26
Question What can I feed wild adult ducks? Silvertheprophecy Community Answer A duck's diet varies greatly, and they accept many types of foods. This includes grains, fruits, vegetables and fish. Make sure the food pieces are small, as ducks aren't capable of chewing or tearing food apart. Never use bread as it can be harmful to them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18
Question We have a duck that nested in the bushes in front of our house and has 12 eggs. Should we be feeding the mother duck anything while she is sitting on the nest? We did put a bowl of water near the nest. Community Answer You can, but she'll probably find food herself. Make sure not to scare her away; many ducks are afraid of humans. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
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About This Article
Co-authored by: Roger J. Lederer, PhD Ornithologist This article was co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications. This article has been viewed 130,432 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 130,432 Categories: Ducks | Feeding Birds | Wild BirdsArticle SummaryX
If you want to feed wild baby ducks, make sure not to share more than one slice of bread per 10 ducklings, or opt instead to feed them chopped up fruit and vegetables, like spinach, carrots, and grapes. You could also feed them un-medicated duckling or chick feed, but be sure to check the packaging carefully because medicated feed can be fatal to baby ducks. For an extra boost of protein, sprinkle in mealworms, or add brewer's yeast to protect the ducklings from niacin deficiency. If you find yourself raising ducklings, give them mostly un-medicated feed in a dispenser, with occasional treats, and provide water with each meal. For more tips on how to feed rescued baby ducks, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Co-authored by: Roger J. Lederer, PhD Ornithologist This article was co-authored by Roger J. Lederer, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Hall. Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications. This article has been viewed 130,432 times. 10 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 130,432 Categories: Ducks | Feeding Birds | Wild Birds Article SummaryX
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1 Give ducklings un-medicated duck or chick feed. Many feeds are medicated, so make sure you check the label on the packaging. Baby ducks can overdose on medicated feed and die. Un-medicated feed should be the main component of a duckling's diet. 
2 Supplement their diets with fresh fruit and vegetables. Use a knife to finely chop the fruit and vegetables before you give them to the ducklings. Don’t give the ducklings large pieces of food or they could choke. 
3 Treat ducklings to dried mealworms. Sprinkle a few mealworms in with the other food you're feeding the baby ducks to give them extra protein. You can find mealworms at your local pet store or order them online. 
4 Add brewer's yeast to the food to give ducklings extra niacin. Niacin deficiency is common in baby ducks, and it can cause them to develop bowed legs. Sprinkling some brewer’s yeast into ducklings’ food is an easy way to get them the niacin they need. 
5 Feed ducklings crumbled bread, but not too much. Don’t give more than one slice a day per ten ducklings. Make sure the bread is finely crumbled so the baby ducks are able to swallow the pieces. 
6 Bring along fresh water if you're feeding baby ducks in the park. Baby ducks need access to water when they're eating to help them get down their food. If you're not feeding the ducks near a pond or other water source, put down a plastic container and pour some fresh water into it. Make sure the ducklings can get in and out of the container easily. Advertisement 
1 Make sure the baby ducks always have access to food. Baby ducks are self-feeders. After the ducklings' first few feedings, you can start putting their feed or pellet food in a food dispenser. Fill the dispenser whenever their food gets low. Supplement their diet with fruits, vegetables, and other treats daily. 
2 Give the ducklings their food on a plate for their first few feedings. The baby ducks will be more likely to try out new food when it’s easily accessible to them. After a few feedings using the same types of foods, you can start putting the ducklings’ food in a food dish or dispenser. If you don’t have a plate, use another flat surface like the lid to a plastic container. 
3 Provide water during every feeding. It’s important that ducklings always have water available when they’re eating. Water helps baby ducks swallow their food easier without choking. Refill the ducklings’ water container with fresh water before every feeding session. 
4 Remove old, uneaten food from the ducklings’ living area every day. You want the baby ducks to be eating fresh food. Avoid putting new food on top of old food; it may deter the ducklings from eating. 
5 Wash your hands after feeding the ducklings. Wild birds are prone to carrying diseases like salmonella. Even if you don’t actually touch the baby ducks when you’re feeding them, it’s still important that you wash your hands. Germs from the ducklings can transfer to their food and water dishes. Advertisement 
Conch bossinus Community Answer If it is small, grab a box box, add some heated tissues, and put the duck in there. Give it some water and very finely chopped celery. It is unlikely the mother will return, but you can keep an eye out. If the mother does not return, contact a bird rescue. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 26 
Silvertheprophecy Community Answer A duck's diet varies greatly, and they accept many types of foods. This includes grains, fruits, vegetables and fish. Make sure the food pieces are small, as ducks aren't capable of chewing or tearing food apart. Never use bread as it can be harmful to them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 18 
Community Answer You can, but she'll probably find food herself. Make sure not to scare her away; many ducks are afraid of humans. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18 