Can Ducks Eat Berries? Avoid These 3 Berry Variants!

Can ducks eat berries?” Of course, they can! Well, most of them are good and a great treat for ducks. Barberries, chokeberries, and elderberries are the three categories that your ducks should avoid. You are good with all the others as these all come up with a variety of beneficial nutrients for ducks. However, you might want to follow the guide we have provided in the article.

This article is going to be a little long. Don’t mind that!

Can Ducks Eat Berries? 9 Berry Variants And Their Suitability in A Duck Diet

Both backyard and wild ducks love to consume berries. It comes with a wide variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that will boost their health. But remember that ducks have a varied diet, and they require a variety of food in their diet.

So, consider it not only a delicious treat for your lovely ducks but also a nutritional boost. Offer another natural source of food for ducks.

Most of them have the same nutritional effect. But if you read deeply, you will find the specialties of each of the berries. So, let’s start.

1. Strawberries: Mouthwatering Ideal Snack

Bringing nourishment and variety will make it a balanced diet for ducks. As a duck owner, I would suggest strawberries as a nutritious treat for both babies and grown ducks. The reason is Strawberries have promising health benefits.  

Benefits

Eating strawberries usually promotes health and prevents diseases. It happens due to the presence of bioactive compounds like nutritive and non-nutritive. However, let’s see how ducks get the benefit.

• The dietary fiber in strawberries ensures proper digestion.
• Vitamin C and high antioxidants protect the duck’s cells while fighting against free radicals.
• Ducks with convulsions, seizures, or overdosing on medicines won’t be in trouble for the high water intake.
• Immunity gets better.

However, you may look at the article: “Can ducks eat strawberries” for more details.

Potential Risks

Strawberries are all good, but some of the potential risky facts cannot be abandoned because it’s about your sensitive duck’s health!

• Overfeeding is quite dangerous and leads to digestion problems.
• Small seeds in strawberries cause choking hazards, particularly for ducklings.
• Pesticides in strawberries are quite risky for backyard friends.

2. Mulberries: The Fleshy Fruit

If you have seen mulberries, you know how attractive the color seems! Surely, this fleshy thing will attract the domestic ducks, too! 

But can ducks eat mulberries? Certainly, they love to jump over it when given. Although it’s their omnivore nature, take a deep breath! Mulberries are safe!

Benefits

Fruits like mulberries have a wide variety of nutrients. But how do they benefit the ducks?

• Antioxidants help prevent health issues by combating free radicals.
• Vitamin A and vitamin C ensure healthy eyesight and skin quality.
• Digestion and gut health get better through dietary fiber and vitamin B6. 
• Muscle function, blood pressure, fluid balance, and nerve system function well for potassium in mulberries.

Potential Drawbacks

So, you see the mulberry benefits for ducks. But some of the negative facts should be mentioned to be aware.

• Seeds can cause a choking hazard.
• Allergic reaction or sensitivities when ducks eat mulberries.
• Excessive feeding makes them habituated to the same fruit.

3. Blackberries: A Superfood

Blackberries are considered a superfood. It is another good pick for domesticated ducks that they enjoy. It has natural sugar and is a great source of protein as well. So, giving ducks blackberries a moderate quantity will contribute to their health.

Benefits

I guess you’ve got your answer to the question: Can ducks eat blackberries? The health benefits of blackberries are like magic for humans and even domesticated ducks or chickens. Blackberries have antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, that ensure anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. However, let’s see how your feathered friends get the nutritional benefits!

• In blackberries, water containing more than 88% fulfills the duck’s daily need for one liter of water.
• Fiber intake always works for the betterment of the duck’s digestive system.
• For boosting energy, healthy growth with developing egg production is ensured to feed a decent quantity of blackberries.

Potential Drawbacks

So, what about the risks of eating such berries?

• Small seeds in blackberries to ducks is a problem maker that causes choking hazard. So, we offer the small edible berries.
• Overfeeding causes a nutritional imbalance or digestion trouble.

Read More: Can Ducks Eat Blackberries

4. Cranberries: Powerhouse Of Antioxidants

In Northern America, cranberries are quite popular and also can be a supplement part of North American backyard ducks. You may miss knowing if cranberries have high antioxidants, which is a game changer in human and animal life. 

Particularly, polyphenols are an antioxidant that reduces the risk of any serious disease.

Benefits

As a powerhouse of antioxidants, let’s see how cranberries contribute to ducks’ health.

• Ducks will get proper hydration of around 80% water during the hot summer day.
• For commercial ducks, fiber and carbs are crucial, which is confirmed when ducks have cranberry.
• Lowers heart disease along with balancing the blood pressure.

Potential Drawbacks

Now, let’s see why and how ducks get into trouble after eating cranberries.

• Seeds are tough to eat for ducks.
• Overfeeding may lead to obesity.
• Cranberries are tart and acidic, so be conscious when feeding.

Check The Article, Do Ducks Eat Cranberries” for more clarification.

5. Raspberries: Red-Fruited Species!

As your goal is to feed some berries, raspberries also deserve to be on the list of waterfowl treats. You can’t even believe how nutritious raspberries can be!

Benefits

Almost all types of berries are safe when given in moderation. Now let’s see what makes the duck healthy when they eat some raspberries.

• Antioxidants in raspberries contribute to promoting brain health and keep them in steady condition.
• You’ll see fiber keeps proper blood circulation and maintains blood pressure.
• Vitamin C helps for better growth and development.
• Free radicals prevent cell damage.
• Water intake ensures proper hydration.

More details are available in the article “Should You Feed Ducks Raspberries.”

Potential Drawbacks

Now you may think if there is any chance of hurting the backyard friend. Let’s see what potential harm ducks may get if they eat raspberries.

• Overfeeding raspberries is harmful, so feed in moderation.
• Almost all fruits contain pesticides or chemicals that may cause sickness in ducks. So, clean it before serving.

6. Blueberries: Another Great Occasional Treat

We said berries are a great option to feed besides the daily diet of ducks. But can ducks eat blueberries safely? For having other essential nutrients in blueberries like vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and more, feeding ducks blueberries can be quite inviting. Keep it as an occasional snack for ducks. However, make sure you’re feeding them fresh fruits, and these are sliced well.

Benefits

Now, you should know how ducks’ health gets improved by eating such mouthwatering berries. Please, see the benefits!

• The immune system gets better along with reduced stress.
• Fiber confirms ideal digestion similar to other consumable berries.
• Feeding such berries ensures developed egg production where eggshells get sturdy due to manganese.
• Vitamin A is there for healthy bones.
• Vitamin E is confirmed as a treatment for ducks’ wry necks.
• Offering blueberries to ducks would be a low-calorie intake, which is good for ducks’ overall health.

Potential Drawbacks

Except for such nutritional facts, what’s wrong with blueberries that are bad for waterfowl?

• Berries like blueberries have high sugar levels that may cause weight gain.
• Excessive feeding may make your ducks sick, such as digestion or imbalance in their diet (which is common when offering berries).

7. Barberries: Hazardous Treat!

As a poultry caretaker, you need to know that American barberries have berberine which is toxic for animals like ducks. So, can ducks eat barberries? No, although they have the habit of eating anything, they shouldn’t eat that.

Potential Drawbacks

So, as we already said, it’s unsafe. What are the side effects or negative impacts of feeding barberries?

• Berberine causes gastrointestinal problems or digestion trouble.
• It may cause organ damage.
• Also, there is the chance of death of ducks.

8. Chokeberries: Too Bitter

If you ask, can ducks eat chokeberries? My point of view is that ducks should avoid eating chokeberries. And if they eat somehow, be careful about the high tannin and take the vet’s suggestions immediately. I saw plenty of negative facts when given to birds, so for the ducks. Although humans enjoy the berries, ducks won’t. 

Potential Drawbacks

Now, why you shouldn’t give chokeberries to ducks? Let’s see what’s the restrictions!

• Astringent properties in chokeberries cause digestion problems.
• High tannin just kills any chance of benefits by feeding chokeberries to ducks.

9. Elderberries: Medicinal, But Please Avoid!

Another berry you should avoid is elderberries. We don’t suggest feeding elderberries to ducks, mainly when it’s unripe or raw. The problem is cyanogenic glycosides, a toxic thing for animals.

But you should know elderberry is used as a medicinal plant, particularly for treating flu or cold and boosting immunity. Besides, antioxidants and other essential nutrients are magical workers in human life!

Potential Drawbacks

Now, the problem with this type of berrie is mentioned below.

• Feeding elderberries may cause digestion difficulties.
• Such berries are the reason for ducks vomiting.

Other Types of Fruits for Duck’s Diet:

• Melon’s For Ducks Diet
• Stone Fruits For Ducks

What Parts Of Berries Are Safe Or Unsafe?

Now, we’ll concentrate on the different parts of berries that are safe or unsafe. Usually, fleshes are completely enjoyable for backyard ducks. But what about other parts?

1. Seeds Or Pits: For the risk of choking hazards, ducks shouldn’t eat seeds or pits in berries. Please remove it first and then serve!
2. Leaves Or Stems: Ducks have the habit of nibbling on leaves or stems. Although they may eat, they give flesh of the fruit, which is the main source of nutrition.
3. Moldy Or Unripe Berries: Never! Ducks should never eat moldy fruits as well as unripe berries. The problem is toxins in unripe berries and moldy ones that may have mycotoxin. It is best if you go for fresh and properly ripened berries.

Can Ducks Eat Dried Berries? Matter To Be Concerned!

Although dried fruits are stiff and tough to swallow, ducks, especially ducklings, should avoid them. It’s the risk of choking hazard to mark!

On the other hand, dried fruits usually contain a high sugar intake which is bad. Basically, drying the fruit absorbs water content in berries, so it becomes challenging to digest.

We even found Sulphur dioxide used in dried fruit. So, don’t you think your Mallards, Muscovies, and other ducks should avoid it? Definitely, in that case, I would say fresh berries are a thousand times better.

Case Of Feeding Baby Ducks: Can Ducklings Eat Berries?

Whether it’s adult ducks, geese, or ducklings, feeding berries is safe when provided in a decent amount. But you need to be careful and gradually introduce berries as a sweet treat. And don’t forget to provide them with sufficient fresh water.

Other than that, mash or slice berries into manageable pieces that are easy to consume for the baby duck’s beak. Consider offering them berries when they become 3 or 4 weeks old and step up for an established diet.

Offering blueberries to your pet ducks is quite a delicious treat, I guess. Especially for baby ducks since they’re smaller and softer than other species. You may offer whether fresh or mashed form, and enjoy how they eat. Here is a video!

Nutritional Value Of 6 Different Berries

Now, you understand almost all the berries we included are safe for ducks when given a small quantity. But do you even look for nutritional properties in such berries? If not, then this table is specially made for you!

N.B: All these data have been collected from the food database of the US Department of Agriculture.

Waterfowl Diet Consideration: 5 Serving And Feeding Steps

Act like a voracious eater, ducks eat berries with joy. Now, when it’s your turn to feed them, what’s your duty? Let us tell you some facts you should take as tips or guidelines.

How To Serve (5 Tips)

You may utilize plenty of ideas to serve berries as an occasional treat. For this, you may try the ideas such as:

1. Hand-Feeding Is Great: The best idea is hand-feeding after making some small pieces of berries. It also ensures a deep connection between the backyard duck and the poultry farmer.
2. Mixed Berries With Water: Ducks are foragers, so you may spread berries in water whether by making a pool or serving in a water bowl.
3. Spread Berries In The Ground: I would say spreading berries confirms ducks foraging behavior is more noticeable. They’ll find it and eat it when they prefer.
4. Shallow Dish Or Tray: Berries in a shallow dish or tray is another easy and good move for ducks.
5. Mashed Berries: Especially for the ducklings, make berries mashed and feed them in moderation.

How Much To Serve

Serving only a small quantity is safe for waterfowl. Each duck shouldn’t eat more than two berries since overfeeding is quite risky. Please keep it simple! Berries are a wonderful treat and focus on their regular diet.

How Often To Provide

From my point of view, ducks should eat berries occasionally rather than regular feed. Don’t pick berries for backyard friends not more than one or two times per week.

5 Steps to Explain How to Feed Your Ducks Berries

Feeding berries to ducks is quite an easy move. Just go through the steps we are sharing!

1. Step 1: First of all, thoroughly wash berries in chilled running water to remove the chemicals or pesticides.
2. Step 2: If the berries are a little big, cut them into small pieces which are easy to consume.
3. Step 3: Now, you may hand feed, throw berries in the ground, or mix them with water.
4. Step 4: Please observe how they eat berries. If they enjoy keep it on their treat list. Or if not, avoid berries and pick some other fruit.
5. Step 5: Be sure you don’t overfeed berries to ducks.

If you never see how ducks eat, watch the video of ducks eating berries. It will help you to feed we hope.

Recommended Reads: Fruits Diet for Duck

FAQs

The berries we included are safe for backyard companions. But you all should know some other facts about feeding berries to ducks. See the Q&A part!

Summarization: Can Ducks Eat Berries?

Indeed, ducks enjoy berries as a healthy treat. Whether it’s red strawberries or Blue mouthwatering berries, they’ll swallow with joy. I think berries should be an occasional part of ducks’ diet. But you can avoid the berries we didn’t recommend, particularly unripe elderberries and bitter chokeberries.

So, as you settle upon feeding scrumptious berries, we hope this article has guided you properly.