Can Ducks Eat Corn? The Best Treat!
The bizarre botanical theory on corn is strange. It can be classified as fruits, veggies, or grains at the same time. However, we won’t bother knowing this for now. Instead, let’s know how it fits into a duck’s diet.
So, can ducks eat corn? Yes, ducks can. In fact, cracked corns are one of the best treats for these waterbirds. But please, do not consider it a part of ducks’ regular diet. Corns are known to be a high-carb food, and overconsumption of what can result in your ducks being sick, like obesity, malnutrition, and digestive difficulties.
The entire discussion will be divided into different viewpoints and questions. So, keep on reading to know the interesting food chain between ducks and corn!
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Corn? Tell Me Why Not!
Yes, they can. There are no problems with corn if given in ideal quantity for ducks. Now, let’s jump into all your askings regarding duck and corn and answer them accordingly.
Are Corns Safe for Ducks? Of Course
Yes, corn is safe for ducks. However, certain types of corn may not be appropriate for ducks. Nonetheless, I’ll consider it a safe food for ducks.
For me, a food that’s high in carbs and protein would be a good option for ducks. The US Department of Agriculture claims that white corn kernels contain 74 grams of carbs per 100 grams and about 10 grams of protein in the same 100 grams of the white corn kernel. It is not an insufficient amount for sure.
My suggestion is to be a bit careful about the amount you feed them. Keeping things moderate will prevent any issues for your ducks.
Can Baby Ducks Eat Corn? Yes, They Won’t Mind
Yes, there is no problem with feeding corn to baby waterbirds. But crush the corn before giving it to them because they have a sensitive digestive system. Oh, one more thing, do not give them corn until they’re at least three weeks old if you do not want them to suffer from choking troubles.
How Much is Considered Ideal?
This thing varies as different duck species have different food preferences and diets. Furthermore, food intake isn’t the same for all species of ducks. So, it varies.
However, ¼ teacup of corn may be given to them. How often? I guess, as it provides protein and carbohydrates and is beneficial mostly, this should be considered more than an occasional treat. Like twice, or thrice a week, maybe?
Can Ducks Eat Corn Every Day? Won’t Be a Good Idea,
No, corn is not for ducks’ everyday diet. Corn may be a high-carb food. But it lacks other essential nutrients like fats, vitamins, minerals, and all that. Feeding them corn regularly may cause a deficiency of these nutrients.
Moreover, corn is an energy-dense food. Excessive energy content consumption can lead to overweight. However, feeding them only corn can alter their natural behaviors and lead to boredom or stress as well.
Are All Portions of Corns Edible for Ducks? No, Only Seeds.
No, all portions of corn are not edible for ducks. For a crystal clear overview. Let’s have a look at the table below:
| Corn Parts | Edibility |
| Kernels | Yes |
| Husks | No |
| Cob | No |
Kernels are basically the seeds of corn. Except for this, other parts aren’t edible for ducks as these can cause choking hazards.
Corns in Different Forms for Ducks: Can Ducks Eat These All?
Corns can be found in different forms. Let’s check it all to know whether or not ducks can eat them all. So far, this is the list of corn in different forms I’ve managed:
- Whole corn kernels
- Cracked corn
- Cooked corn
- Frozen sweetcorn
- Canned corn
However, now let’s jump to the corns we’ll talk about.
- Whole corn kernels: Okay for the ducks, but make sure you’re grinding it before giving it to your waterbirds. Their digestion system won’t handle it unless it’s ground.
- Cracked corn: Best for both ducks and ducklings! Cracked corn helps baby ducks grow faster and keeps them in top shape. So, absolutely yes to cracked corn for ducks.
- Cooked corn: Cooked corn isn’t bad for ducks. Just do not add too much salt to it, and your ducks will consume it smoothly. However, do not forget to grind!
- Frozen Sweetcorn: Frozen sweetcorn may also be given. But I won’t suggest it. Frozen sweetcorns might be a little hard for their digestive system and can cause choking troubles. Freezing corn isn’t prohibited for them, I just do not suggest frozen sweetcorn because of its excessive sugar.
- Canned Corns: No to canned corn! Because canned corn might have extra additives like salt, seasoning, and all that. Consuming this may cause your ducks to be sick like salt poisoning can occur.
- Processed Corns: One thing you may find is foods that are made with corn. We won’t consider these types of foods here as a different form of corn. However, these types of processed corn should always be avoided as they won’t bring any health benefits for them. Some of the prime examples are given below:
- Cornmeal
- Corn flour
- Popcorn
- Corn chips/tortilla chips
- Corn flakes cereal
- Corn syrup
Some Other Grain Diets For Ducks:
Is Corn a Nutritional Powerhouse? Absolutely Yes!
According to the US Department of Agriculture, here’s a list of nutritions in every 100 grams of white corn:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
| Water | 10.4 g |
| Energy | 1530 kJ |
| Protein | 9.42 g |
| Total Lipid (Fat) | 4.74 g |
| Ash | 1.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 74.3 g |
| Calcium (Ca) | 7 mg |
| Iron (Fe) | 2.71 mg |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 127 mg |
| Phosphorus (P) | 210 mg |
| Potassium (K) | 287 mg |
| Sodium (Na) | 35 mg |
| Zinc (Zn) | 2.21 mg |
Did you notice corn is a perfect blend of essential nutrients? Although it’s mighty high in carbohydrates, except for that, it’s all good in providing protein, fat, ash, and all that. So, now you may breathe with peace that corn is less likely to cause any trouble if given in moderation.
4 Benefits of Ducks Eat Corns
Your ducks will have the following benefits if they eat corn in moderation.
1. Energy Boost
The energy corns provide will help ducks continue their regular activities like flying, swimming, and foraging. These will potentially contribute to mental well-being. Times of India admits that sweet corn is not only delicious but also a great source of energy.
2. Helps Improving Muscle Health
The protein in corn massively contributes to the muscle building of your ducks. By taking it twice a week, your ducks will hopefully be in prime shape.
It also contributes to developing feather health of them. Imagine your feathered friends roaming happily here and there with shiny feathers!
3. Better Bone Health and Immune System
The calcium is sufficient for ducks in corn. We know calcium contributes to better bone health and helps them stay in a stable condition.
Plus, corn comes with vitamins B, K, and E, which contribute to the betterment of their immune system. In addition, corn is known to have zinc sulfate. This zinc variant helps ducks grow faster.
4. Ensures Better Nervous System and Heart Health
For transmitting signals throughout their bodies efficiently, the magnesium in corn plays a role in maintaining proper nervous system function in ducks. On the other hand, the potassium in corn helps ducks maintain proper fluid balance, which is crucial for heart health and overall well-being.
In a nutshell, corn is an allrounder, giving all essential nutrients for ducks to help improve their immune system and bone health, keep them strong, and make their nervous system and heart health better. Anyway, grains are a good choice for ducks in general. You may visit our website to find articles about ducks eating grains with a comprehensive overview.
Feeding Ducks Corns: 5 Risks and Precautions
Besides being such a good addition to ducks’ diet, corn can create risks. Here’s how.
- Ducks do have a unique digestive system, I mean different, compared to human digestion. Their bodies may not be able to process corn effectively. So, crash them according to their comfortability.
- Ducks do not have teeth. Instead, they have a comb-like feature on the tip of their beaks, but it won’t help them chew. So, they may face choking troubles while eating corn.
- Aflatoxin Contamination is another prime concern. In 2020, a group of researchers from the University of Missouri claimed corn can sometimes be contaminated with aflatoxin.
- It is a toxin produced by certain molds. Aflatoxin can cause liver damage and aflatoxicosis in ducks. Do consider vomiting and abdominal pain in this list as well. So, my suggestion is do not feed them molded corn.
- A regular basis of corn feeding may make them lose their general nesting behavior. Would you want your ducks to stop wandering around the way you want them to? I don’t think so! They’re adorable in how they behave naturally.
Recommended article: Grain Diet For Ducks
How Can Ducks Eat Corn?: A Step-by-Step Feeding Approach
I’ve been saying that corn needs to be served appropriately. Here’s how to serve them corns:
Step 1: Buy a cron from the nearest market. Make sure it is fresh and not molded.
Step 2: Grind the corns. It’s up to you how you’re gonna crush it. Here’s a tutorial on how you can crash them by hand:
Step 3: You can mix it with duck feed, or just the cracked corn won’t be that bad of a deal!
Step 4: Now, you can sprinkle the corn on the ground. Or serving it on a plate is also fine!
Bottom Line
So, the summary of the article is corn is absolutely fine for ducks. You can feed them corn but crash it before giving it to your backyard birds. Even for baby ducks, you don’t need to worry. Anyway, make sure they aren’t overeating corn. It can cause malnutrition and other health complexities.
Just be careful about the quantity, and corn will come out as an excellent resource of energy, protein, and all other essential nutrients.
Source And References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579120306933
- https://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/backyard-flocks-eggs/other-fowl/feeding-ducks/
- https://www.pioneer.com/us/agronomy/zinc_deficiencies_and_fertilization.html
- https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g4155
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/not-just-delicious-corn-is-also-loaded-with-health-benefits/photostory/67882552.cms?
