Of course, ducks do eat mint. Most poultry loves fresh mint so do the ducks. While foraging, ducks just love to have some herbs like mint to have a cooling flavor for relaxation. It can even be used as a repellent to ensure a pest-free area for ducks. And notably the medicinal purpose is quite astonishing!
Mint has a great contribution to ducks health so I prefer to talk about this. Besides, you’ll have ideal feeding tips for your ducks in the yard. Don’t leave without checking!
Table of Contents
Do Ducks Eat Mint? Is Mint Safe For Ducks?
Chill Out! Mint is completely safe for ducks’ health. So, whether they are in the garden or in the wild, don’t worry about it when they consume some. I found nothing toxic in the mint that can seriously harm the duck.
Other than that, ducks are omnivores and opportunists, so they don’t miss out on swallowing some mint herbs. However, if you want to feed some, get it, chop it, and feed it! But be in moderation. They have other things to eat as their daily diet.
Now, you may think about how it’s safe and beneficial. First of all, your ducks will have an aromatic compound called menthol. It’s a refreshing effect for ducks. Then, they are getting relief from nausea or become free of stress or headaches.
Not done yet! Feeding mint as a supplement is also great to give proper hydration during summertime. And you may know ducks require 1 liter of water each day. More amazing benefits of feeding mint to ducks will come. Wait a little! And before we go, let me show you a video of how ducks eat mint. I think it will cheer you up!
Do Ducks Like Mint? Certainly!
It’s pretty clear that your ducks get a soothing effect from the mint. So, definitely, they’ll love it! In fact, it’s a healer of ducks’ stress.
But in general, not all the ducks are comfortable with herbs. It’s actually not a regular need for them. They only consume herbs when they don’t find any food sources that can fulfill their hunger.
However, if it’s your choice to feed some, give a decent amount and of course occasionally. Because the primary source of duck nutrition is more important. Where high protein and water are must-haves.
Do Ducklings Eat Mint? No Problem!
Matured or even the ducklings can eat mint safely. But you need to consider a few facts before feeding or letting them eat from the garden.
- Your baby ducks should eat commercial started feed at a young age. So, wait until they become a little more mature.
- Introduce mint herbs gradually. They need some time to be friendly with new diets or foods.
- If you provide some mint leaves, ensure you chop or tear the mints to make them easier to swallow with their tiny beak.
- And don’t forget to feed the fresh one after washing thoroughly to remove the pesticides or contaminants.
However, ducklings or adult ducks can also eat parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs. They won’t be any less good than mint.
13 Different Types And Forms Of Mint: What’s Safe For Ducks?
It’s true, mint can be a magical herb for ducks. Whether it can be a healer or even can be killer due to the presence of toxicity. Although I don’t find any severe toxicity in mint, why not think about ducks’ welfare?
- Peppermint: A perfect and safest herb for ducks is peppermint leaves. Whether for medicinal or culinary purposes, it will give freshness to ducks’ minds. Give it as a supplement if you have ducks in the farmhouse.
- Spearmint: Spearmint is another nutritious herb for avians. It will give a mild flavor and refreshing aromatic experience. Almost all the mint types offer the same actually.
- Pennyroyal: Just keep the ducks away from it! The problem is pennyroyal oil which is highly toxic due to the existence of pulegone. It may cause gastrointestinal distress or other health difficulties in ducks.
- Water Mint: It’s an aquatic plant and ducks’ favorite food source! Let them eat or feed them in moderation.
- Wild Mint: Yeap! Ducks can eat wild mint but it must be free of contaminants. Therefore, you have to monitor your ducks eating outside or in the wild.
- Dried Mint: It’s okay to give dried mint with a cooling menthol effect and sweet woody with hints of eucalyptus. But consider it more when compared to fresh one. Fresh mint is always the first priority!
- Cooked Mint: I don’t think it’s gonna be that good like fresh mint. Because cooked mint may change the natural aroma and flavor. So, give the fresh form. It’s much healthier.
- Mint Roots: Mints usually have tap roots and your ducks can consume some but with precautions. My preference is to avoid it and give the mint leaves to them. It’s what they love the most.
- Mint Seeds: Although they can eat but it’s not necessary. Seeds are always a hassle for them to swallow as they cause choking hazards.
- Mint Stems: Mint stems flavor may vary based on their maturity. However, mini and tender mint stems are best for your ducks. It will give an aromatic flavor. And please think about the toughness and high fiber intake in mints. Because it calls a risky point for ducks.
- Mint Extract: So, it’s a peppermint and spearmint mixture! But a form of mint flavor made of alcohol or other components. So, think about their sensitivity and avoid mint extract!
- Mints Essential Oil: Any expert pet owners will avoid it surely for their pet birds or even for ducks. There is a toxic compound of menthol and giving an overdose may cause health concerns that your duck cannot take. Particularly in peppermint oil that may cause:
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Allergic reactions
- Diarrhea
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
Although I didn’t see any proven research for ducks. I assume your ducks won’t be good if they consume peppermint oil excessively.
- Mint Flower: Mint flower can be edible for your ducks but be sure it’s not a toxic herb near the domestic duck.
Related Readings:
Components That Nourish The Ducks Health: What Nutrition Is There?
While safely consumed ducks will have something flavorful and mind-relaxing. Besides nutrition can give a big contribution to their health. Therefore, I made a table of nutrition in mint for ducks.
| Nutrients (Peppermint) | Quantity (Per 100 Grams) |
| Water | 78.6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 14.9 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Protein | 3.75 g |
| Vitamin A | 212 µg/4250IU |
Mint For Medicinal Use: How It Benefits Ducks?
I think fresh or dried mint leaves should be used as medicine for humans or ducks. But how it work like a medicine for ducks or geese?
Fiber Ensures Better Digestion
As an appetizer, mint leaves can be given to promote the duck’s overall health. Trust me, such herbs are magical and soothing that contribute to the duck’s health. However, the notable goods are:
The dietary fiber is there in mint leaves. It ensures gut health and better digestion is going on.
Mint leaves stimulate digestive enzymes and promote the digestion system in ducks. Specifically, antibacterial and antiseptic properties in mint oil relieve indigestion or stomach infections. For methanol, mint works as an anti-spasmodic solution.
Vitamins For Overall Health
You may wonder what’s the job of vitamins, right? Well, the benefits are:
- Vitamin A will work for better immunity, eyesight, and growth. And Vitamin C will work as an antioxidant here.
- For bone health and blood clotting, vitamin K will play a role.
Mineral Contribution Cannot Be Overlooked
Minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium are the contributors. What they do is:
- Calcium keeps bone health better and eggshells in good condition. So, if you’re doing poultry business, I think such herbs can be a good supplement.
- Iron is there for transporting oxygen.
- Magnesium is present in mint to keep the nerves and muscles functioning correctly.
- Potassium makes the heart’s health and fluid balance good.
Give A Relaxation During Summer
As I said, mint has a soothing flavor, so if ducks consume it, they’ll have a relaxing time even on the hot summer day. Don’t discourage them!
Mint Hydrates The Ducks
It’s common, and we know almost all the fresh herbs have enough water intake to keep the ducks hydrated. So, let the duck eat the mint to avoid dehydration.
Fixing Respiratory Issue
As I said, mint has an aromatic compound, particularly in peppermint, that can be soothing to ducks’ respiratory tract. So, mint can be an inhaler for your waterfowl.
Reduce Stress
You love the scent of mint so the same for the ducks. For a relaxing experience and reducing stress, you can feed a small quantity of mint to your ducks.
A clinical study says, inhaling peppermint essence make a significant effect on the attenuation of anxiety. And menthol will take away the stress and anxiety of ducks.
Works As A Insect Repellent
Near the duck’s house, using mint can be a repellent that will control the pest. Most importantly, parasites, mosquitos, and even flies get discouraged by the smell of mint. However, let the duck eat some mint from your garden.
How Mint Contributes To Repel Pest Around Ducks?
Mint as a repel pest is good in the garden, but I don’t think ducks gonna like it. It’s quite a strong smell! However, if you add some peppermint oil near the duck’s yard, there will definitely be no insects.
What actually happens is the strong aroma of menthol is unpleasant for insects or pests. So, they become discouraged from staying near the duck’s house. Insects usually try to use chemical signals but get disrupted by the scent.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated In Mint? Hardly Any!
I don’t think so! But you need to be careful about some facts such as:
- Toxic Types: Think about the toxic types of mint, like pennyroyal.
- Oil And Extracts: Essential oil or extracts of mint or other herbs are not suggested for ducks. Taking an overdose makes them ill.
- Pesticides or Chemicals: Pesticides or chemicals are there in mint leaves. So, clean it before serving it to ducks.
- Excessive Eating: If ducks consume excessive mint from the garden, they’ll surely have digestion problems.
How To Feed Mint To Ducks? Trouble-Free Ideas!
Here comes the time to feed your ducks. You’ll have a clear idea of safe feeding tips. Herbs are good, but keep it as their occasional treat. And please follow the points I am making!
How Often To Feed Mint
You found throughout the entire article that ducks need only a decent amount. So, feed them in moderation or monitor how much they eat in the garden. I think one or two times per week is good.
How Much To Feed
You can offer fresh small handfuls of mint leaves or dried mint as a treat. It’s not necessary to be in an exact quantity but give only a small amount which is enough for their regular diet.
Feeding Time
I have some ideas for you to feed mints to your ducks. Take a look at the points!
- Getting Mint: You can harvest or buy the mint from the store.
- Fresh Is More Preferrable: Always come up with fresh herbs. Also, the dried forms are okay but don’t feed the moldy mint to your ducks.
- Cleaning Time: Wash them properly to remove any contaminants as we said before. Pesticides are there!
- Chop Or Tear: Chop or tear the leaves into small pieces which are easy to consume. It keeps them safe from the risk of suffocation.
- Monitor Their Eating: Please, be observant! Check how ducks eat mint. If they look comfortable, feed them occasionally.
Serving Ideas
Hand feeding is always good for making a good bonding or letting the duck eat from the garden.
It’s not less good if you leave the mint in the ground with water. They’ll have a mint flavor of water to become relaxed.
What Other Herbs Ducks Can Eat?
Ducks are quite good with mint, but if you prefer to feed something else, grow some other safe herbs for your ducks. I prefer oregano and thyme the most!
Recommended Reading: Feeding Herbs to Ducks – Natural Antibiotic
Final Words
Overall, it’s clear that ducks eat and love to consume mint leaves. In fact, it’s a food source to make them relax out of stressful situations. So, I personally would love to feed my ducks some mint leaves.
Although it’s all good, consider a few risks as they can be big. Ducks are innocent, so they never know how much to eat! And here, your duty is to observe or hand-feed, if possible. And my feeding suggestions make your job easier, and I am pretty sure about it.
Sources And References:
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/programs/duck-research-lab/duck-nutrition
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3546250/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814313/
