Can Ducks Eat Pears? Benefits of Such A Succulent Fruit
Pears, a pit fruit, come with a wide variety of nutritional plus points for ducks. But is it enough nutritious for them?
Can ducks eat pears? Yes, ducks can enjoy eating pears occasionally. You can offer them ripe, edible-sized pears by removing the seeds, as there are traces of cyanide (amygdalin) found in the seeds. However, ensure you offer them a moderate amount because it also contains high levels of sugar and carbohydrates.
As a sincere caretaker of your pets, knowing the nutritional value along with other facts about the pear is essential. So, keep reading and learn some beneficial things about pears.
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Pears? Facts To Understand
We already said ducks do eat pears as a healthy treat. However, if you go a little further, you’ll understand more about feeding pears.
Can Baby Ducks Eat Pears?
“What do baby ducks eat?” It’s a crucial part, as the little champs are sensitive enough. So, can they eat pears, too, like the adult ducks? Yes, when considering pears, wild ducklings or baby ducks can eat pears.
Pears are a good source of fiber and vitamins. But pears should not be in their daily diet; rather, pick pears as an occasional treat for ducklings. Starting duck feed should be given to them.
On the other hand, this is to let you know that the toxin cyanide in pear seeds is vulnerable to ducklings’ health. The reason is that cyanide blocks the cells’ ability to use oxygen, and it may ultimately cause the duckling to die if given excessively.
Can You Offer Pear Leaves to Ducks?
Pear leaves are diuretic and anti-inflammatory. So, feeding pear leaves to the duck can help avoid illnesses like colds. However, instead of pear leaves, feed your domestic ducks aquatic plants or leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, or chard. Because such greens are on their favorite list and full of nutrition.
Will Pear Skin Is Edible for Geese?
Yes, it’s safe to eat pear skin, as it has plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Even pear skins are rich in antioxidants that protect the duck from free radicals or other severe diseases. However, duck owners suggest removing the skin for the convenience of their ducks.
Can Ducks Eat Canned Pears?
Yes, if fed in moderation, ducks are right while eating varieties of pears. Remember, we said moderation, as canned pears have preservatives and sugar. Excessive consumption of pears will surely cause health issues or obesity.
Are Prickly Pears Safe for Ducks?
Prickly pears are generally safe for ducks to eat. But there are some precautions to keep in mind.
To feed, ensure they don’t ingest the prickly spines or glochids. These sharp parts can cause irritation or injury. The problem is visible in their mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
See the video!
Nutritional Value of Pears for Ducks
Pears are tasty fruits with high nutritional value. So, each bite will benefit the ducks! Now, take a look at the chart of pears’ nutritional value per 100 grams according to USDA.
| Nutrients | Amount (Per 100g) |
|---|---|
| Water | 84 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.2 g |
| Protein | 0.36 g |
| Fat | 0.14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Sugar | 9.75 g |
| Vitamin K | 4.4 mcg |
| Calcium | 9 mg |
| Potassium | 116 mg |
8 Health Benefits of Feeding Pears to Ducks
As your goal is to offer pears to your feathery goose, let’s take a look at the beneficial facts about pears. Because understanding the health benefits of your ducks is what you need to know first.
1. Minerals and Vitamins
Fresh fruits like pears contain essential minerals and vitamins that your ducks require. However, your domestic duck, in particular, will benefit from enhancements pears hold, such as:
- Vitamin C improves the immune system
- Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and bone health
- Pears also contain folate, niacin, and vitamin B6
2. Fiber and Nutritional Benefits
For your ducks’ balanced diet, fiber is another nutrient. For example:
- Soluble fiber for digestion, which will prevent digestive issues from occurring
- Insoluble fiber includes water in your duck’s stool, softens stools, keeps the gut flora balanced, and prevents constipation
- It also controls blood sugar levels
- It can boost feelings of fullness
3. Essential Hydration:
Fresh pears usually have approximately 84% water content. So, the high water content can help ducks stay hydrated, especially during the summertime sadness, just like cold water gives us a little comfort on a sunny day. However, the pears have to be washed well, as unwashed raw pears might contain harmful bacteria.
4. Respiratory Assistance
Occasional pear feeding will be a good treat for ducks’ respiratory health. Do you know how? Pears are enriched with vitamin C, which can reduce inflammation and improve lung function.
However, for wild ducks, frequent consumption might not be affected, just like the backyard ducks, as they’ve got better immune systems due to the living environment and their foraging behavior.
5. Faster Wound Healing
If you find the feathered friend injured or wounded, feeding pears will help the wound recover faster. Because it includes Vitamin C and K, that benefits the duck in the following ways:
- Body weakness gets fixed
- Bone fractures heal easily
6. Improve Heart Health
If you want to know what fruits ducks can eat to prevent heart failure, we suggest pears! Eating pears is an aid for any heart disease.
In pears, potassium is a rich nutrient that, exceptionally, helps control heart health, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. Furthermore, antioxidants in pears reduce cardiac tissue stiffness and harmful cholesterol levels.
7. Strong Bone and Teeth Strength
When your duck lacks calcium, there might be a disruption when your duck eats. It triggers your duck or ducklings’ bone weakness or abnormalities and toothaches sometimes. However, giving pears is a good choice for ducks as it contain high calcium minerals to improve health and tooth strength.
8. Weight Control
Did you know low-calorie fruits like pears can control your duck’s weight? So, you can offer pears to keep the duck’s weight under control.
Helpful Reading: Safe and Unsafe Fruits List
6 Considerable Facts When Feeding Pears to Ducks
As you understand that pears are safe for your duck friend, you should consider some facts about healthy fruit as a treat. Let’s explore some crucial facts!
1. Ripeness
At the beginning of the guide, we already said ripe pears are always suggested. So, your duck should consume ripe pears rather than unripe pears, as the fruit will be tough to digest or cause gastrointestinal issues. Plus, don’t forget to avoid overripe fruits, as the fruit can be unappetizing and mushy.
2. Quantity
You need to fulfill the ducks’ nutritional requirements. Then offer them a small portion of pears for some additional health benefits. However, a small, bite-sized portion is enough! Ensure they’re having proper nutrition.
To keep the quantity balanced, you may make fruit salads, or mix green leaves with it. Salad green will be a beneficial treat for them.
3. Natural Sugar Content
While offering pears, the high sugar content is risky for the health of ducks. So, what can we do? Can ducks eat apples instead of it? Yes, they can eat apples as well. But moderation is fine. However, sugary fruits should be considered a minority in ducks’ varied diets.
4. Pesticides
In reality, the majority of fruits have pesticides. Sweet fruits don’t create any exceptions here. So, whenever you attempt to feed pears to your duck, wash the pears properly.
5. Sorbitol
Ducks having diarrhea or loose stools after eating pears is another issue! Such conditions happen due to a compound called sorbitol. So, whether you reduce the pear amount or stop it until they become well out of such sicknesses.
6. Allergy
Not every duck is friendly with pears due to allergic reactions. Some ducks may suffer from:
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling
- Hives
Therefore, stop feeding them pears immediately and meet with a veterinarian for medication.
How Much Should Ducks Eat Pears?
Feeding the pear once or twice a week is enough for the ducks. To ensure your ducks’ diet is rich in all essential nutrients, such nutritional fruit can be given as a treat, an occasional supplement, or sometimes as a nutritious snack.
In addition, keep the pears bite-sized! Pears aren’t soft fruits. Simply cut the pears into small pieces. Then, distribute it near the fresh water or on the ground to let the duck easily access the food.
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FAQs
If you read good and bad facts about pears for ducks, your curious mind may ask some questions for information. Therefore, we are including a Q&A section for you.
Q. Do ducks like pears?
Ducks will love pears as a tasty treat since they have their natural affection for various fruits. But don’t let them eat too much.
Q. Will pear be good for 7-day-old baby ducks?
Yes, you can feed your baby duck or duckling a small portion of properly diced pears. And bear the ideal sugar level for ducks in mind.
Final Words
Your domestic duck is totally independent to try such pleasant-tasting pears. Pears are best for ducks for an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and other beneficial nutrients. However, only a small portion of pears should be served. You can let the duck enjoy the delicious treat occasionally.
However, don’t overlook the other needs or diets that are essential in general. Essentially, varieties of foods like proteins, fresh vegetables, grains, or other rich nutritious foods. In addition, do follow the considerable facts we added, as it’s an ideal way to feed your duck.
Source & References:
- https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53eea772e4b08ae50e0bf1ab/t/585a67599f74569269ec795c/1482319708512/ArticleUltimateTreatsSupplementalFoodsforDucks.pdf
