Can Ducks Eat Hazelnuts? Yes, Without Shells
Can ducks eat Hazelnuts? Yes, they can eat hazelnuts but without shells. Hazelnuts are high in energy, protein, fat, and different minerals. They provide ducks with several benefits when they are fed in moderation. You can give hazelnuts to your ducks once or twice a week.
I guess you are interested in treating your ducks with Hazelnuts. Stay with me to see how you can treat them, what are the benefits and drawbacks, and other relevant information.
Can Ducks Eat Hazelnuts? 3 Facts About Nuts In Ducks Diet
Being omnivores allows ducks to eat everything they get, whether it’s human food or duck food. So, in this sense, yes, ducks can eat Hazelnuts, and it’s safe for them. But they need to be deshelled as I said earlier. Because Hazelnuts are hard-shelled nuts, and such nuts can cause choking hazards.
Hazelnuts are considered healthy if they are given in moderation and as a treat. They provide ducks with energy, protein, and different minerals like calcium, potassium, or magnesium. These elements are important for ducks’ growth and development.
Can Hazelnuts Be A Regular Diet For Ducks?
No, Hazelnuts can’t be a regular diet for ducks. Hazelnuts are high in fat. Feeding too much high-fat content to your ducks is harmful and causes digestive system failure. That’s why I suggest feeding Hazelnuts as a treat to your ducks.
How Often & How Much Hazelnuts Ducks Can Eat?
Feeding ducks Hazelnuts should be done in moderation. Here are some guidelines on how often and how much Hazelnut ducks can eat:
- Frequency: Giving Hazelnuts to ducks ought to only occur on occasion, ideally as a special treat. Your ducks can receive Hazelnuts twice every week.
- Quantity: You should only give ducks a small percentage of Hazelnuts when doing so. Per duck, 2 or 3 nuts should suffice.
Can Ducklings Eat Hazelnuts?
As Hazelnuts are high in fat and calories, ducklings won’t be able to digest Hazelnuts. Ducklings’ digestive systems are not mature enough to digest high-fat content. So, it is advisable not to give Hazelnuts to ducklings.
When they get eight weeks old, you can give them Hazelnuts in a small portion, like 1 or 2 hazelnuts per duck. You should not give Hazelnuts more than once a week to your ducklings.
13 Nutritional Contents of Hazelnuts
Before getting into further discussion, we need to know the nutritional contents of Hazelnuts.
| Nutrients | Amount (per 100 gm) |
|---|---|
| Water | 4.31 gm |
| Calories | 641 |
| Nitrogen | 2.55 gm |
| Protein | 13.5 gm |
| Fat | 53.5 gm |
| Carbohydrate | 26.5 gm |
| Fiber | 8.4 gm |
| Calcium | 135 mg |
| Iron | 3.46 mg |
| Magnesium | 156 mg |
| Phosphorus | 321 mg |
| Potassium | 636 mg |
| Manganese | 6.06 mg |
Related Reads:
5 Benefits of Having Hazelnuts in Ducks’ Diet
As I said, hazelnuts should only be a small and occasional part of a duck’s diet due to their hardness and high fat content. But in moderation, they can provide a few advantages. Here are a few benefits of including hazelnuts in a duck’s diet:
1. Energy Source:
Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, which can provide ducks with an extra source of energy, particularly during colder months or when they are expending more energy, such as during migration or breeding.
2. Boosting Ducks’ Health:
Hazelnuts also contain a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for the growth and maintenance of duck feathers, muscles, and overall body functions.
3. Nutrient Variety:
Offering hazelnuts occasionally can add variety to a duck’s diet. Ducks, like humans, benefit from a diverse range of foods to ensure they receive a wide spectrum of nutrients.
4. Entertainment:
Providing ducks with small treats like hazelnuts can offer them mental stimulation and entertainment. Ducks enjoy foraging for food, and presenting them with different textures and flavors can be enriching for them.
5. Bonding:
Feeding ducks, including the occasional treat like hazelnuts, can be a fun and interactive way for people to connect with these waterfowl. It can create positive associations and a sense of connection between ducks and humans.
5 Drawbacks of Having Hazelnuts in Ducks’ Diet
Hazelnuts can offer some benefits when included in a duck’s diet in moderation. But there are also several drawbacks and potential risks associated with feeding hazelnuts to ducks:
1. Choking Hazard:
Roasted Hazelnuts are hard and can pose a significant choking hazard to ducks, as they do not have teeth to chew their food. Ducks may attempt to swallow Hazelnuts whole. And it will lead to the risk of choking or blockages in their digestive system.
2. Nutritional Imbalance:
Hazelnuts are high in fat and protein, but they lack many of the essential nutrients that ducks need for a balanced diet. Relying too heavily on Hazelnuts can result in nutritional deficiencies and health problems for ducks.
3. Obesity:
Hazelnuts are calorie-dense, and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity in ducks. Obesity can have serious health consequences for these birds, affecting their mobility and overall well-being.
4. Digestive Issues:
Ducks have sensitive digestive systems, and Hazelnuts can be difficult for them to digest, especially when consumed in large quantities.
5. Expensive:
Hazelnuts are expensive. Treating ducks with Hazelnuts won’t be cost-effective. If you are rich enough, then it’s a different case.
5 Ways To Serve Hazelnuts To Your Ducks
Feeding Hazelnuts to ducks can be a nice treat. But it’s important to do so in moderation and ensure they are properly prepared to avoid any potential harm to the ducks. Here’s a guideline on how to serve Hazelnuts to your ducks:
1. Choose the right Hazelnuts:
Make sure the Hazelnuts are fresh and free from any mold or signs of spoilage.
2. Deshell the Hazelnuts:
Ducks may face difficulty breaking through the tough shells of Hazelnuts. So, it’s best to remove the shells before feeding them.
3. Chop or break the Hazelnuts into smaller pieces:
Ducks have smaller beaks, so it’s a good idea to break the Hazelnuts into smaller, manageable pieces. This will make it easier for them to eat.
4. Always provide fresh water:
When you’re feeding hazelnuts to your ducks, always ensure they have access to fresh, clean water for drinking. It will help to digest the good easily.
5. Avoid roasted or flavored Hazelnuts:
Do not feed ducks Hazelnuts that are roasted or flavored with any additives. Stick to plain, raw Hazelnuts to avoid potentially harmful substances.
Related Readings: Nuts For Ducks
Bottom Line: Can Ducks Eat Hazelnuts?
After all the discussion, I can say that Hazelnuts can be a good treat for your ducks if you can afford them. It’s okay that Hazelnuts can provide some nutrients, but that doesn’t mean that you need to include them in ducks’ diet.
It’s just if you have enough Hazelnuts and your ducks are around you, you can throw some manageable size of nuts, and that’s it.
Resources & References:
- https://themostexpensive.org/most-expensive-nuts/
- https://opensanctuary.org/daily-diet-treats-and-supplements-for-ducks/
