Can Ducks Eat Persimmons? Yes!! Help to Keep Ducks Hydrated
Can ducks eat persimmons? Yes, ducks can eat persimmons. But not the dried ones. Persimmons have a sweet and tangy flavor. They are high in water content, carbohydrates, glucose, vitamins, and minerals, which are essentials for ducks’ health. And don’t give them persimmons more than twice a week.
To know the pros and cons of feeding persimmons to ducks, stay with me and keep reading.
Table of Contents
Can Ducks Eat Persimmons?
The short answer to this question is yes. Persimmons are safe for ducks. Ducks enjoy eating persimmons as a treat. There are two varieties of persimmons. These are astringent persimmons and non-astringent persimmons.
Astringent persimmons are high in tannins, so these are not safe for ducks. However, non-astringent persimmons contain low tannin contents, and these are safe for ducks. Excessive tannin consumption can kill your ducks. So be careful while choosing tannin for your ducks.
Choosing the right variety can help your ducks to meet their nutritional requirements.
Omnivore ducks just run over food if you give them. Here, see a video of how they went for persimmons after throwing to them.
What About the Dried Persimmons?
Dried persimmons are comparatively high in sugar and carbohydrate. It’s like 31% carbohydrates and 21% sugar. But they are very low in protein, it’s only 1%.
Generally, ducks don’t need carbohydrates and sugar. But protein is very important for ducks’ growth. So, it’s better to avoid the dried persimmons. Moreover, they are hard for ducks to swallow and can cause choking hazards.
What About The Seeds and Skin of Persimmons?
Persimmons are usually seedless fruits. But if there are any seeds, they can be shrug off. When you give persimmons to your ducks, you must have to remove the seeds because they contain tannin. And the skin also contains tannin. So avoid seeds and skin of persimmons for ducks.
Can Persimmons Be a Regular Diet for Ducks?
Persimmons can be good as a treat, but it shouldn’t be in ducks’ daily intake. Because they are comparatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and sugar. Slightly consumption of carbs and sugar doesn’t cause any harm to ducks. But overconsumption of these can lead to serious issues.
That’s why it is suggested to give persimmons as a treat but not as a daily staple.
How Often & How Much Persimmons Can Ducks Eat?
Feeding ducks persimmons, like any treat or supplemental food, should be done in moderation to ensure their overall diet remains balanced and healthy. Here are some guidelines on how often and how much persimmons ducks can eat:
- Frequency: You should not make persimmons a regular or daily part of their diet. Feeding them persimmons once or twice a week is enough.
- Quantity: When offering persimmons to ducks, keep the portion size relatively small. You can provide 3-4 small slices of persimmons per duck.
Can Ducklings Eat Persimmons?
No, ducklings shouldn’t eat persimmons. They are high in carbs and sugar, but ducklings don’t need carbs and sugar for their growth. They need a niacin-rich diet. There is only 0.01% niacin in persimmons. That’s why it is advisable to avoid persimmons.
Recommended article: Can Ducks Eat Tomatoes
Nutritional Contents of Persimmons
Before further discussion, let’s know what your ducks will get by eating persimmons. Let’s take a look at the nutritional contents of persimmons:
| Nutrients | Amount (per 100 gm) |
| Water | 80.3 gm |
| Calories | 70 |
| Protein | 0.58 gm |
| Fat | 0.19 gm |
| Carbohydrate | 18.6 gm |
| Fiber | 3.6 gm |
| Sugars | 12.5 gm |
| Sucrose | 1.54 gm |
| Glucose | 5.44 gm |
| Fructose | 5.56 gm |
| Calcium | 8 mg |
| Magnesium | 9 mg |
| Phosphorus | 17 mg |
| Potassium | 161 mg |
| Vitamin C | 7.5 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.73 mg |
5 Benefits of Having Persimmons in Ducks’ Diet
Including persimmons in a duck’s diet as an occasional treat can offer several benefits due to the nutritional content of these fruits. Here are some advantages of feeding persimmons to ducks:
1. Support Immune System
Persimmons are rich in vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins are essential for overall health and can support the immune system, vision, and feather health of ducks.
2. Protect cells from oxidative damage:
Persimmons contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein. These can help protect ducks’ cells from damage caused by free radicals.
3. Hydration
Persimmons have a high water content, almost 80%. This can help keep ducks hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for their overall health and helps support their digestive system.
4. Variety in Diet
Offering persimmons as a treat for ducks adds variety to a diet. Ducks benefit from a diverse range of foods to ensure they receive a wide spectrum of nutrients.
5. Natural Flavor
Persimmons have a sweet appealing flavor that many ducks enjoy. Providing them with enjoyable treats can be mentally stimulating and entertaining for the ducks.
5 Drawbacks of Having persimmons in Ducks’ Diet
Persimmons can offer benefits when included as an occasional treat in a duck’s diet. But there are also potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind:
1. Overconsumption of Natural Sugars
Persimmons contain natural sugars, such as glucose and fructose, which provide quick energy. However, if ducks consume too many persimmons, it can lead to an excessive intake of sugars. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain and potential obesity, which can have adverse health effects.
2. Nutritional Imbalance
Persimmons offer vitamins and natural sugars, but they lack some essential nutrients that ducks need for a well-rounded diet. Relying too heavily on persimmons can result in nutritional deficiencies, especially if it displaces other necessary foods.
3. Choking Hazard
Persimmons are relatively soft when ripe. But there is still a potential choking hazard, especially if ducks try to swallow large pieces without adequately chewing them. To mitigate this risk, it’s best to offer small, manageable portions.
4. Ripeness Matters
Ducks may be less interested in unripe persimmons, which can be hard and astringent. Ripe persimmons are softer and more palatable for ducks, so it’s important to ensure the fruit is at the right stage of ripeness.
5. Cost
Depending on your location, persimmons can be relatively expensive. Feeding ducks persimmons may not be cost-effective, especially if you are providing them in large quantities.
Bottom Line
Persimmons are not toxic to ducks when you give the flesh only. Skin and seeds contain tannin, so you should avoid these. It’s okay that persimmons have some health benefits, but that doesn’t mean you have to feed them on a regular basis.
If persimmons are available and you are solvent enough to treat your ducks with these fruits, you can do this. But this is not a must.
Resources & References:
- https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/persimmons.1342155/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/persimmon
