Can Ducks Eat Lavender? Yes, It Gives Calmness!

Can ducks eat lavender? Yes, ducks can. The soothing aroma of such Northern American herbs gives the avians relaxation while working as an insect repellent. However, feed them lavender only in ideal quantity. It’s because the overpowering lavender scent may cause respiratory system problems.

Don’t worry about any severe risks of lavender when ducks consume it. But some surprising benefits are there. Have a look!

Can Ducks Eat Lavender? Is Lavender Safe For Ducks?

I didn’t find any research where ducks will have severe health issues because of eating lavender herbs. So, ducks gonna be alright for sure but don’t let them take overdoses.

Usually, the flock of ducks enjoys having some lavender plants. As I said, they find relaxation here!

Such mild herbs’ significance is the aroma that calms the ducks and deters insects due to their powerful property like linalool and linalyl acetate. Such components are the reason for the strong aroma in such flavoring and medicinal plants. And it helps to clear insects from the ducks or chicken coops.

And when discussing lavender oil for ducks, it contains 35% linalool and 51% linalyl acetate. But we are gonna avoid the essential oil anyway! Because it disturbs the respiratory and nervous systems of ducks.

However, we will look at the safest forms of lavender herbs. Until we come, let me share about the young ones since they visit the garden or yard for food like their mother.

Do Ducklings Eat Lavender? They Will!

Except for toxic herbs like milkweed, nightshade, pennyroyal, or vetch, ducks and ducklings are safe to eat herbs, including lavender. But as they have voracious appetites, be in the garden or near them while they’re reaching for the herbs. They may consume the excessive lavender plant, which will surely make them sick.

Ducks’ upper digestion tract is generally formed by the proventriculus and esophagus. But ducklings have a sensitive and developing digestive system. So, any poultry farmer or pet owner will give the starter feed only. At a young age, baby ducks require protein and niacin the most.

So, Whether they eat lavender or not, it doesn’t matter. But if they eat, the amount does! It should be a small portion of lavender that we call safe for ducklings.

Parts And Types Of Lavender For Ducks: What’s Safest?

Ducks or geese are good with lavender as it’s a healer herb in the wild or in the garden. But I don’t think all the parts of such herbs will benefit ducks. Therefore, let me tell you my research view based on different parts and types of lavender for ducks.

• Leaves: Nope! Although it can be medicinal and edible, it’s not recommended. Ducks may nibble on English lavender leaves, but I don’t prefer to feed this. It may cause upset stomach and digestion problems.
• Stem: It’s a non-toxic herbaceous woody stem for birds, but ducks don’t need this. But let them eat while they forage. It’s because there are no significant nutrients in it!
• Roots: Leave it! Ducks have other parts to eat from herbs. Not only the lavender but also the roots have insignificance.
• Flowers: Ducks gonna enjoy the flowers as these look attractive and have health benefits. Grow some lavender to have flowers near the coop of ducks and chickens. Notably, ducks get relaxation while eating in moderation. But be sure you don’t let them ingest or overdose!
• Dried Lavender: It’s okay if ducks consume a very small amount. Rather, I would suggest giving them a healthy treat during the springtime. Let me tell you how.

1. Get lavender flowers in either dry or fresh form.
2. Add sunflower seeds ( Sunflower seeds are safe for ducks)
3. Dried mealworms
4. Fresh or dried parsley.

Now, mix all of them in a bowl and feed them as a healthy treat for ducks.

Essential Oils: A big no from my side! According to NCBI, Lavender oil is cytotoxic for human skin cells in vitro. And if ducks ingest or get lavender oil, they’ll face respiratory problems or lung irritation.

Culinary Lavender: Give a decent amount. I think the best one would be Lavandula Angustifolia to cook. You can give the flowers or even the leaves.

6 Medicinal Uses Of Lavender: How It Contributes To Ducks Health?

I found the notable benefit is that the lavender aroma can give a calming effect to them, as I said earlier. Besides, I got some other benefits. Here is what I found after researching:

1. Stress Reliever: Lavender can be an aromatherapy that reduces stress.
2. Reduce Digestion: The anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
3. Lessen Cell Damage: Lavender has phytochemical compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids known as antioxidants. They may help to prevent oxidative damage in duck cells.
4. Free From Sleeplessness: The soothing scent will alleviate insomnia problems. So, the ducks will have the type of relaxation.
5. Heal Wounds: As we use essential oils to heal wounds and sores, you can use only a little for backyard ducks.
6. Kill Bacteria: Your ducks may also be safe from infections since purple lavender has antibacterial properties that kill bacteria.

Related Readings:

• Do Ducks Eat Hay
• Can Ducks Eat Mint
• Can You Feed Ducks Cilantro

Lavender For Pest Controling: How It Works Near Ducks Area?

It’s surprising how lavender controls pests and insects near the duck’s coops. When you plant some lavender herbs, the powerful aroma naturally repels:

• Pests
• Bugs 
• Mosquitos
• Flies
• Insects.

And it’s quite important during the summertime when ducks become more active in the pond or yard. Let me clear it up! When you plant lavender around the garden, the aromatic properties discourage pests from entering the place.

How Lavender Can Be Risky For Ducks? Facts You Must Know!

Look, you know ducks are omnivores and opportunists, right? So, if you feed or if they feed some lavender, it becomes risky due to the oil intake; as you know, ducks gonna eat excessively for sure!

Here the problem is linalool and camphor, the two high concentrations that are toxic for animals like ducks. If they ingest excessive they will surely face health troubles such as:

• Gastrointestinal problem
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Potentially liver damage
• Nervous system difficulties.

But a tiny amount won’t hurt. So, you may take some advice from the vet or avian experts before feeding. But if they consume independently, observe their reactions after it.

I don’t think it’s gonna make any big trouble. Because the potential problems can be cured I guess.

Can You Feed Lavender To Ducks? No Need To Feed!

You can feed, but I don’t think it’s necessary. What you can do is grow some lavender herbs in your garden or near the duck’s house. They’ll eat such herbs when they prefer.

But if you want to feed some, you can mix lavender in commercial duck feed. Scattering such herbs won’t be a bad idea. Or you can also add fresh lavender mints to the water. They would love the mint flavor. Trust me! 

Recommended Reading: Herbs – Natural Drugs for Ducks

Final Words

So, ducks will have no problems eating purple lavender herbs. But ensure they don’t overeat. And especially, don’t let them ingest the essential oil too much as it may lead to constipation problems.

If you ask me the question, I’ll say I don’t prefer to feed them. But I’ll make a way to give some lavender plants in the garden. And surprisingly my garden will be safe from pests or insects as well. That’s why I love the aromatic properties of it.

Sources And References:

• https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/understanding-waterfowl-duck-digestion
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6496511/