Ducks eat mostly vegetables like humans, but one of their favorite veggies is cabbage, just like humans. Now you’re wondering, “DO ducks really eat cabbage?”
The short answer to the question is yes, absolutely, ducks can eat cabbage without any negative effects.
Cabbage is not only a treat for ducks it provides various health benefits, like good for digestion. Ducks are waterfowl that live in ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Cabbage is a well-known vegetable of all vegetables with high nutrients and tasty flavor. Cabbage contains many nutrients, such as minerals, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.
This vegetable is not only necessary for humans but also very beneficial for birds.
Water is found in abundance in it. It is an easily digestible vegetable & ducks love to eat it. However, some ducks do not eat it raw, so you can also boil the cabbage.
Can ducks eat raw cabbage?
Most ducks eat raw and cooked vegetables, but some duck breeds do not like to eat raw cabbage. However, raw cabbage is generally considered safe for ducks.
Remember that every duck has its own digestive system, and some easily digest raw cabbage, while others face digestive upset after eating this treat.
So, what’s the best way to serve cabbage? Usually, boiled cabbage is 100% safe for them; you can feed them after cooking it.
Cabbage benefits for ducks:
Raw cabbage is fatty in vitamins and minerals. While other animals and birds can smoothly digest it, ducks face difficulty in digesting it because cabbage contains a lot of fiber, making it difficult to digest.
- Calories: One cup of cabbage contains 22 calories, and calories are a vital nutrient for bird health, including ducks. According to some research, a duck needs 1300 calories per day for its good health. So, cabbage can be a great addition to a duck’s diet.
- Protein: Cabbage is not a good source of protein as it contains only 1 gram of protein in one cup of cabbage. However, ducks need more protein, so you can mix cabbage with other vegetables. It will nourish them with high protein.
- Fiber: One cup of chopped cabbage contains 2 grams of fiber. When ducks consume fiber, they are only able to digest approximately 20% of the amount they ingest.
- Calcium: Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of avian species even for flightless birds. This mineral is essential for ensuring the well-being of birds, including ducks, who require a balanced intake of minerals for optimal health.
Notably, a single cabbage flower contains approximately 40mg of calcium, making it an important dietary source for birds.
What Types Of Cabbage are Safe:
There are generally various types of cabbage, including red-green cabbage, and mostly all types of cabbage are considered safe for ducks. Here are some cabbage types that are good for ducks:
- Red Cabbage:
- Green Cabbage
- Chinese Cabbage
- Savoy Cabbage
- Black Cabbage
- Leaf Cabbage
- Dutch Cabbage
How to serve cabbage to ducks?
Generally, vegetables can be given to birds as raw or cooked. Both methods are useful for ducks.
The first method is raw cabbage. Some birds eat raw cabbage easily, but a few birds do not eat raw cabbage, and ducks face difficulty in digesting it.
The second method is cooked cabbage. Cooked vegetables are a more efficient way to serve them to animals or birds.
When we cook or boil vegetables, usually toxic ingredients are destroyed, and only useful nutrients remain. So, it is recommended to feed boiled or cooked cabbage to your ducks.
Feeding cabbage to ducks should be done in moderation and prepared appropriately. Here are some tips.
- Cut into pieces
- wash it
- introduce gradually
- mix with other vegetables
- avoid large amounts of cabbage
- monitor their response
- remove leftovers
- consult a vet if unsure
Cut into pieces:
Ducks have small beaks, so cut the cabbage into small pieces, and then ducks can easily eat and digest.
wash it:
Rinse the cabbage to remove any dirt or pesticides before feeding it to the ducks.
Introduce gradually:
If it’s the first time feeding cabbage to the ducks, start with small amounts to see how they respond and digest it.
Mix with other vegetables:
Cabbage can be mixed with other duck-friendly foods like peas, corn, or duck pellets to provide a balanced diet.
Avoid large quantities:
Too much cabbage can cause digestive upset in ducks, so feed in moderation as a treat rather than a primary food source.
Monitor their response:
Watch how the ducks eat the cabbage. If they enjoy it and show no adverse effects, you can continue to include it occasionally in their diet.
Remove leftovers:
Ducks may not finish all the cabbage you offer. Remove any uneaten portions to keep their feeding area clean and prevent attracting pests.
Consult a vet:
If you’re unsure about feeding cabbage or any other food to ducks, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in poultry or waterfowl.
How much cabbage is best for ducks?
Usually, ducks eat 100 to 200 grams of food in a day. In this sense, feeding the ducks half a cup of cabbage will be sufficient.
As of general rule treats are always given in a limited quantity. If ducks eat too much cabbage it will cause digestive upset & also make them sick.