Can Ducks Eat Cracked Corn? (Risks and Benefits)

can ducks eat cracked corn

Ducks can eat cracked corn, yes. Cracked corn contains a variety of nutrients such as fiber and vitamins that are essential for the well-being of your ducks. It is best to feed them cracked corn in moderation to avoid any health issues.

Can Ducklings Eat Cracked Corn?

A duckling can eat cracked corn ground to smaller sizes. Ensure you use a grinder that can grind to smaller particles. Remember that it’s not nutritiously valuable; hence should be given to ducklings as a treat once a week.

At What Age Can a Duck Eat Cracked Corn?

It is okay to add cracked corn to a duckling’s diet in the age range between 3 and 6 weeks old. The diet of a newly hatched duckling shouldn’t include cracked corn. This is because cracked corn lacks the required amount of protein for the development of ducklings.

Since adult ducks only require approximately 15% of the protein in their diet. It would be best if you considered adding more of it to their diet.

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Which Breed of Ducks Can Eat Cracked Corn?

Since most ducks are kept for meat production, Pekin dominates the arena, so cracked corn is essential in its meal. Other duck breeds that can consume cracked corn include mallard and wood ducks.

Is Cracked Corn Good for Ducks?

Cracked corn is an excellent dietary supplement for your duck’s meal. This is because it is reduced to a convenient size and easily consumable by the ducks. It harbors a range of nutritional values as shown below.

  • Cracked corn contains fiber which is insoluble and hence not easily broken down. This, in turn, assists in bowel movement. Fiber also ensures that the duck has a healthy digestive system by reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.
  • Rich in potassium and vitamin B, cracked corn aids in muscle movement, maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and heart functions.
  • Cracked corn has a higher amount of vitamin A than any other grain. Vitamin A is important in preventing the decline of cognitive functionalities and boosting the immune system.

As much as Cracked corn is good for ducks, it also has adverse health effects, just like any other corn form.

Cracked corn is highly susceptible to fungus infection, which leads to the production of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can have adverse health effects, which can subsequently lead to death.

It is crucial that you properly dry the whole kernels before grinding. After grinding, store in a clean, dry place away from moisture.

How frequently you feed, your duck corn is essential. This is because corn contains phytic acid that prevents the absorption of essential minerals such as zinc and iron. You want to ensure you’re not supplying too much corn to the ducks’ diet.

When you notice fatigue and weight loss in some of your ducks, know that gluten intolerance is the cause of the side effects. This is due to the autoimmune response to gluten present in corn.

How Much Cracked Corn Can a Duck Eat?

A typical duck can consume cracked corn an average of a quarter a pound per day. This level of consumption is most common among species such as mallards, wood ducks, and blacks.

Can Ducks Eat Whole Corn?

Ducks can eat whole corn except for ducklings. Whether the corn kernels are dried or fresh with or without husks, corn is corn to a duck. Most ducks can hardly ever tell the size of corn kernels.

Can Ducks Eat Corn on the Cob?

Mostly, ducks eat corn on the cob. Whether roasted, boiled, or canned, corn still is a healthy diet for ducks.

Serving corn to your ducks while still on the cob can save you a lot of time and energy since it is easier to feed them this way.

What Other Forms of Corn are Good for Ducks?

Other corn forms you can feed your ducks are; canned corn, dried, roasted, boiled, and even fresh. Even though nutritional level varies from one form to another, the variation isn’t quite significant.

What Other Foods Can Ducks Eat?

You can also feed your ducks the following foods:

  • Birdseed
  • Peas
  • Cauliflower
  • Cucumber
  • Plums
  • Lettuce
  • Parsley

Final Thoughts

Being omnivores, ducks tend to consume any food, including grains such as cracked corn, and barley. The fact that they are omnivores is an advantage as you have a larger array of viable options. Ensure that corn in whatever form it is in is part of a properly balanced diet.