Consequences of Feeding Waterfowl Bread Products

A kinesiology graduate of Texas Lutheran University, Cade Killingsworth works as an acquisition specialist at PAS Property Acquisition Services in Houston, Texas. In his free time, Cade Killingsworth is an avid outdoorsman involved in waterfowl conservation efforts.

Ducks and geese are two common examples of waterfowl. For some people, feeding ducks and other waterfowl at a local pond is a relaxing pastime. Waterfowl conservationists, however, may say that feeding the ducks can do more harm than good.

The food people typically feed waterfowl includes bread, crackers, chips, and doughnuts. While these carbohydrate-rich foods do not pose significant health threats to ducks, they have zero nutritional value. Waterfowl that begin to live mainly on bread products will suffer a rapid decline in health.

Ducklings are particularly susceptible. Unfortunately, areas where people regularly feed ducks will attract more waterfowl. These birds lay eggs, resulting in more ducklings that will fail to receive proper nutrition.

Bread can also negatively affect waterfowl environments. Uneaten bread and food scraps contribute to algae growth in pond water. Bread pollution can grow to the point that it eradicates fish and other marine life. Further, uneaten bread attracts unwanted pests, such as rats and insects.