Can Ducks Eat Thyme? With No Doubts About!

Ducks are fond of green herbs, so they will surely prefer consuming some from the wild or in the garden. And if it’s about thyme herbs, I by myself will feed it to offer nutrition, significantly for medicinal purposes.

So, can ducks eat thyme? Yes, ducks gonna eat some thyme herbs whenever they get it in the wild. But in the case of feeding, give it moderately and think about the medicinal benefit along with the side effects of such herbs. However, offer some fresh thyme leaves to give their health a boost.

Thyme can be a suitable addition to their diet, but you must make a feeding plan. And I’ll give it to you. Aside from that, you’ll know more facts about such herbs.

Can Ducks Eat Thyme? A Safe Herb For Ducks!

There is no severe toxicity in thyme herbs, so ducks are safe while they eat some. Such herbs can be a great snack to keep the boring vibe away from ducks. In fact, thyme leaves are safe and healthy not only for ducks but also for geese and chickens.

What I love about the thyme leaves is it aids in respiratory health. Valuable things are antibacterial and antibiotic properties. You may discover thymol and carvacrol are two notable antimicrobial properties as well. 

And you cannot even avoid the number of antioxidants. They work to support the immune and digestive systems.

Besides, ducks will get attracted by the aromatic scent of thyme herbs. I also found based on ResearchGate, thyme essential oils don’t allow the Escherichia coli to grow. And thyme oil has some effectiveness against the tested bacteria’s antibiotic-resistant strains.

However, we won’t focus on the thyme essential oils for ducks. Because it gives a bad vibe when they consume excessively. But feeding in moderation is safe. 

In the same way, alternatively, you may feed oregano herbs to your ducks. It’s another antibiotic, like thyme leaves.

Do Baby Ducks Eat Thyme? Yes But Not Necessary!

Yeap, baby ducks can eat thyme. You may know ducks are omnivores so the ducklings are no different. Adult ducks eat such herbs to have a refreshing feel. Similarly, ducklings try to do the same to reach thyme herbs in the wild or in the garden.

Here the problem is baby ducks require protein and niacin the most. Not the thyme herbs! So, better if you fulfill their primary need and then introduce thyme leaves. But not the stems since they are too woody. And while feeding chop it in a manageable size.

Anyway, thyme leaves contain organic compounds called terpenes. It attracts the ducks or ducklings. When it happens, you can permit the mature one to eat thyme leaves. Or if ducklings consume some, don’t panic. They’ll be fine! 

Here is a video of how ducklings may eat thyme herbs.

What Thyme Parts And Forms Ducks Can Eat? Almost Everything!

Ducks are good with almost any type of thyme herbs. If the intention is to feed, grow some thyme herbs near the duck’s coop. And then feed the parts, types, and forms you want. But before that, take a look at this section.

1. Leaves: Feed them fresh thyme leaves! It’s a good and the richest source of herb nutrients for ducks.
2. Seeds: Only a small quantity of seeds are safe for avians.
3. Plant: You can feed thyme plants but if ducks seem uncomfortable, discontinue feeding the herbs.
4. Sprigs: Sprigs are basically comprised of a woody stem, which is a hardy herb. Ducks can eat but excessive can cause health problems.
5. Woody Stems: Such perennial herbs with woody stems will be tough to consume for ducks. So, I don’t prefer this for the ducks!
6. Flowers: Thyme leaves, stems and even the flowers are good for ducks. But you don’t have to bring flowers to feed. They can reach near the herb plant and eat.
7. Essential Oil: With caution, thyme oil can be used but not to feed. Especially, when it’s time to reduce insects or rodents from the duck’s coop. 

We usually rub the leaves on the duck’s skin to get some essential oil. But excessive using may cause respiratory problems due to the powerful aroma in thyme leaves. 

While using oil, you need to be careful about some facts such as:

• Avoiding oil directly
• Monitoring to ensure they don’t ingest the thyme oil
• Before using the oil, dilution is a must.

8. Cooked Thyme: Although we use the herb to prepare tea, you can cook it for yourself but not necessarily for ducks. Ducks are good with raw or fresh thyme leaves I guess.
9. Lemon Thyme: No! Lemon thyme is also known as citrus thyme and it’s toxic for birds like ducks.
10. French Thyme: Yeap it’s good! Such herbs are packed with vitamins, beta-carotene, and folic acid so ducks gonna have something good for sure. But give a small quantity.

Nutritional Value Of Thyme: What Actually Gives Health Benefits?

Thyme is an excellent nourishment for ducks so I made a nutritional table of thyme per 100 grams. It will clarify how ducks gonna have some good vibes.

Nutrients (Fresh Thyme)	Quantity
Water	65.1 g
Protein	5.56 g
Carbohydrate	24.4 g
Fiber	14 g
Calcium	405 mg
Vitamin C	160 mg
Vitamin A	238 µg/4750 IU

Related Reads:

• Can Ducks Eat Parsley
• Can Ducks Eat Rosemary
• Can Ducks Eat Basil

7 Beneficial Facts Of Feeding Thyme To Ducks

If you just google about the health benefits of thyme, trust me you’ll get lost in the beneficial world of thyme leaves. So, let me tell you some notable benefits of feeding thyme herbs to ducks.

Poultry Growth

According to the Journey of Poultry Science, the active components of thyme essential oil can balance the gut microbial condition while improving digestion. Besides, it promotes endogenous digestive enzyme secretion, which enhances poultry growth performance.

Healthy Digestion

Thyme leaves have thymol that becomes quite responsive to inhibit ducks’ digestion. The leaves basically prevent bacteria from entering the digestive tract.

Also, the aromatic compound potentially helps with digestion. Where the dietary fiber in this herb can promote digestion health.

Immunity And Medicinal Use

As I said, thyme leaves have thymol and carbacrol, which have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. So, your duck’s immunity health will be good if they consume some thyme.

Specifically, thymes have Vitamins A and C to prevent the ducks from catching a cold. Ducks who lack stomach acidity and weak immune system may also require to get some fresh thyme. So, obviously, thymes can be used for medicinal purposes for ducks.

The Powerful Antibiotic

A condition called campylobacteriosis is brought on by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter in birds. It might hurt the duck as well. 

When it’s about ducklings, they are at big risk of bacteria that cause diarrhea or even bacterial infection in their gut. But thyme leaves are the lifesaver. So, I personally suggest you feed it occasionally as a part of their diet.

Here, thymes can kill poultry bacteria infections. So, you can feed some from the garden or let them eat to make it work like an antibiotic.

Boost By Vitamins

The vitamins like vitamin C intake in thyme can contribute to aid immunity function. Where vitamin K works for blood clotting and bone development.

Desolate Mold

Herbs like thyme can have essential oil that you can use to prevent the growth of mold. Here the superhero is antifungal properties.

Repels Insects And Rodents

Thyme has a strong scent that insects or rodents may hate. So, if you have thyme plants near the duck’s coop, the area will be safe for your ducks. But you need to rub the oil on their skin.

Is There Any Risk Of Feeding Thyme To Ducks? Potentially!

Although I don’t find any severe risks in feeding thyme, there are some potential risks available.

• Excessive Feeding: Ducks are voracious eaters so they may don’t care about eating thyme leaves. But it’s your duty to observe how much they eat such herbs.
• Sensitivity Or Allergic Reaction: Due to the intense smell in thyme leaves, ducks may feel uncomfortable. But it’s a rare case!
• Pesticides Are There: The thyme you feed must be free of pesticides or herbicides. It can make your ducks sick so be careful.
• Not Consulting Vet: Whenever you decide to introduce something new like feeding herbs, talk to a vet or avian expert. They’ll share the proper way although I have already said everything from an expert’s point of view. No worries!

6 Feeding Tips: How You Can Feed Thyme To Ducks?

Whether you grow thyme or purchase it from the grocery shop, ducks need only a few. Use the rest of the thyme leaves to make a cup of tea for yourself.  

I think feeding thyme once or twice a week is good. However, let’s feed some to your ducks.

• Tip 1. Get some fresh thyme and avoid the spoiled or wilted parts.
• Tip 2. Wash thoroughly to remove any contaminants or pesticides.
• Tip 3. It’s not their primary food source so give it as an occasional treat.
• Tip 4. Chopping or tearing is the best way to feed thyme leaves.
• Tip 5. Make sure you combine such herbs with the waterfowl’s regular diet. It gives more boost!
• Tip 6. I think scattering the thyme on the ground or mixing it in water won’t be a bad idea.

Recommended Reading: Herbs Diet For Ducks

Final Words: Can Ducks Eat Thyme?

I think adding herbs to ducks’ diet as an occasional treat is not a bad idea. With less chance of any risky fact, fresh thyme leaves are something to nourish the ducks’ health. It’s a safe type of herb for your ducks and even for ducklings whether for feeding or to save their coop.

What’s more attractive is thyme as an antibiotic and medicine for ducks’ health. Although the aromatic compound and excessive essential oil can be a little bad for them, overall thyme leaves are great! 

Sources And References:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22313307/
• https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpsa/49/2/49_011089/_article/-char/ja/
• https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/campylobacteriosis/basics.html