Can Ducks Eat Corn?

 

Did you know that corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica? The majority of the crop is used as a main source of energy in livestock feed. Even we eat it as humans, making different meals from it. We blend it raw to form a flour-like substance, roast, boil, and even fry it. It is so versatile and popular that a variety of meals have been created from corn.

Most times, it is mixed in with the feed of livestock to give them that added advantage of extra nutrients. Since we eat it so much, it makes perfect sense to start thinking if it is suitable for your pets or animal, including ducks and that is what we are about to help you answer.

Can Ducks Eat Corn?

Yes, ducks can eat corn but it should be given in moderation. It can be fed to them in different forms;

• Cooked corn
• Roasted corn
• Baby corn
• Sweet corn
• Corn on a cob

Corn is healthy but also contains a lot of carbohydrates which can result in excess extra weight and can increase the blood sugar levels in the ducks' system. Better still, to make feeding fun you can remove the kernels and place them in water so the ducks have to waddle up to it to eat them. That way, they get some exercise while also getting the necessary nutrients and it is fun to watch them waddle so cutely to get their food.

Can Ducklings Eat Corn?

Yes, ducklings can eat corn but it should not be a part of their diet until they are at least 6 weeks old. Before they get to the 6 weeks mark, their diet should be made predominantly of protein, which is important for adequate and healthy growth.

The carbohydrate gotten from corn is not useful and can be quite dangerous to their development. However, after they've successfully crossed the most important part of their development phase, corn can then slowly be introduced and incorporated into their diet.

At this point, the carbohydrate gotten from this is converted into a source of energy that keeps them moving and quacking all day long. Although, it is still advised not to feed them too much corn so they don't get obese and overweight.

This excess weight can affect the growth and structure of the ducklings’ still delicate bones. 

Can Ducks Eat Cooked Corn?

Yes, ducks can eat cooked corn. Cooking the corn will make it easier for the duck to ingest and digest the corn.

Cooking corn also doesn't strip it of its important nutrients. You can also feed them frozen cooked corn, but ensure to defrost it before serving. 

Can Ducks Eat Sweet Corn?

Yes, ducks can eat sweet corn but only as treats or at least in conjunction with other healthy vegetables and fruits. Sweet corn can be very addictive because of its high sugar content and taste, so help your ducks and don’t feed them too much of it.

The high sugar content can also be bad for their overall body weight, they would keep on adding excess weight which may affect their migratory or flight pattern. Heavy ducks can't migrate for the season, now can they?

A better way of serving them sweet corn safely without inducing any health complications would be feeding them as an occasional treat.

Can Ducks Eat Corn Meal?

Yes, ducks can eat corn meal, not only because they like corn but because it is also beneficial to their health. Corn meal is an excellent way of incorporating corn into your ducks’ meal. 

It is an energy-giving food, with over 370 calories per 100g, along with necessary nutrients like sodium, potassium, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6, and magnesium.

It is also an excellent way of making food easily digestible. The lack of actual kernels in the meal prevents an incident of it becoming a choking hazard for the duck. 

This should also be eaten in moderation to avoid raising blood sugar levels.

Can Ducks Eat Canned Corn?

Yes, ducks can eat canned corn but make sure it is not seasoned and has no salt or additives in it. Most canned corn comes preserved in a liquid in a can, so drain the liquid ad rinse the corn in some fresh water, before giving it to your little friend.

The corn in the corn is almost always boiled before packing, so you don't boil it but if you prefer to do so, it doesn't harm anybody. Frozen canned corn can also be given, but ensure to defrost it before serving it to them.

How often do I feed Ducks Corn?

Corn in all its forms can make up to 25% of the entire ducks’ meal. You can feed them on this diet at least once a day, 7 times a week, if they seem to like it. However, even with it being a healthy food, it should still be fed in moderation.

You should be careful with feeding them with an enormous amount of corn. Corn contains a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar, which can in turn increase the blood sugar level in the ducks' system. To avoid such a situation, you can feed them corn only as treats, or mix it in their meals.

Health Benefits of Corn

There is a lot of health benefit when it comes to eating corn. Ranging from multiple nutrients like Vitamins, minerals, and other necessary health benefits. Some of the health benefits to be gotten from feeding your ducks corn include;

Vitamins

Many vitamins like A, B1, 2, 3, 4, E, K, and C are all found in corn and are necessary for improving and maintaining good eyesight, luscious feathers, healthy skin, and so on.

Sodium

The sodium in corn helps in binding to ammonia to help excrete toxic substances from the ducks' bodies.

Potassium

This nutrient is also involved in the excretory process, without which the body can fall into disarray.

Dietary Fiber

This is useful in improving bowel movement and allows for easy defecation without constipation problems. Your ducks can poop quite easily without straining or difficulty.

Carbohydrate

This is used to help the duck maintain a healthy weight and store up fat for the cold season.

Magnesium

Used in the healthy development of bones and feathers.

Conclusion

Corn is a very nutritious meal that can be fed to your ducks but should be fed in moderation because of its high sugar content which can get very addictive for your duck, making them unhealthy, overweight, and obese.

Feeding them corn is a good way to help your ducks add weight for the winter season when they have to bulk up to provide body heat. Also, ensure to mix it in with other vegetables and fruits to provide a healthy balanced diet and mix of nutrients.