How to Feed Wild Ducks in Alaska

Alaska has more than 174 million acres of wetlands that support at least 36 species of waterfowl, including 100 percent of the breeding populations of several breeds of ducks including the speckled, king and steller's eider, the long-tail duck, and the black and white-winged scoter. Conservationists discourage feeding wild ducks because the practice can adversely impact the ducks' health, migrating instincts and ability to forage for food. When wild ducks are fed bread or crackers their organs engorge and become fatty causing heart and liver problems. Only feed wild ducks special duck feed if they are injured and require special care to survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Game bird starter feed
  • Game bird grower feed
  • Vegetable greens
  • Small water dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed baby ducks game bird starter feed. Ducks up to five weeks of age should receive starter food developed specifically for game birds available at feed stores. Don't use chick starter food developed for baby chickens. It doesn't have adequate nutrition for ducks and most chick starter is medicated and is toxic to ducks. Ducks can free-feed on starter food.

    • 2

      Offer ducklings fresh vegetable greens. Baby ducks also enjoy greens, even weeds from your garden can be fed to ducks --- as long as they are pesticide-free.

    • 3

      Provide water in a small vessel. Baby ducks need water, but not enough to swim in. Baby ducks don't produce necessary oil in their feathers; their mother oils their feathers for them. Ducklings shouldn't have access to water they can climb into. If the baby duck gets wet it will get chilled and may even drown in too large a water dish. A jar lid is a good water container for ducklings.

    • 4

      Switch to game bird grower food after ducks reach five weeks of age or for injured adult ducks. Food can be offered in a kitchen bowl, small bucket or specially made duck feeder. Continue giving the duck a selection of greens.

    • 5

      Clean duck waterers frequently. Larger ducks can have access to a larger source of water. But ducks are messy and will dirty the water quickly. Keep drinking water clean and free of mud and feces.