Do Ducks Eat Grasshoppers? 3 Reasons Why Grasshopper is A Super Food!

Do ducks eat grasshoppers? Yes, ducks eat grasshoppers, but only when they confront them. Ducks have the foraging habit, and it’s when such insects get caught. Eating grasshoppers is part of their natural diet that offers some protein for overall growth. Such behavior makes the duck a natural predator of such garden pests.

Surprisingly grasshoppers create a massive impact on the garden, near the ducks’ coop. So, either you let the duck eat or follow some pest control ideas. I don’t want to elaborate here. So, go a little further!

Do Ducks Eat Grasshoppers? Is It Good For Ducks?

Ducks have a habit of consuming insects, vegetation, and small invertebrates. Besides having an omnivore nature, ducks won’t mind having some free protein. And it’s completely safe whether in the wild or in the yard!

Here, ducks are a survivor of the garden who controls such pests. So, the ecological balance remains in good condition. And the good fact is grasshoppers don’t have any toxicity. 

But A South African foam grasshoppers known as Bushhopper Dictyophorus spumans are deadly toxic. However, the deadly one won’t be near the duck’s coop.

A study says they found a toxin called tetrodotoxin in grasshoppers. It was found in the nerves and muscles of this insect. Also known as TTX, it’s basically a sodium channel inhibitor. 

In general, grasshoppers get exposed to toxic plants or chemicals. Also, it targets plants and harms the lawn or garden. And don’t worry if they eat some from the garden. 

Let the avian eat some grasshoppers to keep the garden safe. Or you can feed the grasshoppers by collecting from the insect suppliers. However, here is a video of ducks eating grasshoppers to cheer you up.

7 Types Of North American Grasshoppers Ducks Eat

In North America, we usually see two-striped grasshoppers the most near the duck’s coop beside the garden. But some other species are found that ducks always eat while coming across.

1. Two-striped
2. Eastern Lubbers
3. Gray Bird
4. Locusts
5. Dried Grasshoppers
6. Live Grasshoppers
7. Cooked Grasshoppers.

Anyway, you may get confused between grasshoppers and crickets. But don’t worry! Ducks are going to eat crickets, too. And it’s not a big deal!

3 Duck Species Say No To Grasshoppers

Ducks, geese, or even chickens eat insects like grasshoppers, but some ducks don’t prefer to eat them. Although the majority of them are opportunists who look for insects, aquatic plants, or invertebrates, some of the ducks avoid insects but are fond of plants or invertebrates.

1. Gadwall (Anas Strepera)
2. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
3. Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata).

Related Readings:

• Do Ducks Eat Ticks
• Do Ducks Eat Worms
• Can Ducks Eat Mealworms
• Can Ducks Eat Ants

Do Baby Ducks Eat Grasshoppers? They Love To Catch!

As insects are ducks’ natural diet, baby ducks, besides the adult ones, also catch grasshoppers.  Baby ducks need protein, and grasshoppers have it to contribute to the duckling’s growth. In fact, they require more protein than the matured ducks in the backyard or poultry farm.

Usually, baby ducks require starter chick feed as it’s easy to digest. According to NC State Extension, At least for the first two weeks, they need 23% protein, but right after that, reduce the amount to 17% to 18%. So, grasshoppers are a free meal for ducklings. Let them grab some!

3 Major Benefits That Make Grasshoppers Super Food for Ducks

Grasshoppers do not have any notable nutrition, but ducks will get some free protein (40%), unsaturated fat(43), and dietary fiber(13%). In Western Countries, restaurants cook grasshoppers so such insects are not neglectable in case of ducks diet. However, let’s see what’s good here!

• The rich protein contributes to ensuring the duck’s growth and muscle development.
• Such insects have vitamins B and A, minerals like zinc, and healthy fats to keep the diet in balance.
• Ducks’ body tissues will get repaired because of amino acids in grasshoppers.

Special Benefit: Ducks, especially muscovy, work to keep the ecological balance. They eat insects like grasshoppers to control the pest population in the yard or garden.

Remember, pest control is crucial! So, I’ll give some other great ideas for controlling pests near the ducks’ coop.

Ducks Eating Grasshoppers: 5 Potential Risks You Should not Ignore!

Besides the benefits of eating jumping or flying grasshoppers, I found a few potential risks when ducks eat such insects.

1. The toxic accumulation in grasshoppers from plants or pesticides is common. So, ducks may fall sick of it.
2. Some of them have allergies or sensitivity to insects like grasshoppers.
3. There is a chance of parasite transmission in ducks.
4. Grasshoppers prefer to target plants, leaves, and flowers. They ultimately become the reason for the defoliation or ruin of crops in the field. Here, as lifesavers, ducks keep the crop field or plants safe.
5. Ducks will have digestion trouble while eating grasshopper as it contains chitin intake. Studies say most insects have a chitin intake of around 6% to 36%. And dry weight range of 4.71% to 11.84% chitin extracts from female or male grasshoppers. And you’ll find it in insects’ exoskeletons.

How Do I Control Grasshoppers In My Yard? 5 Brilliant Ideas!

In this section, you’ll find something surprising but true! Actually, you’ll rarely see grasshoppers near the duck’s coop.

But in the garden with greens, you’ll potentially see them. That’s why I experienced it a few days ago. However, we will look at the pest-controlling ideas for grasshoppers (As they are fewer in number) and other insects, snails, or bugs.

1. Ducks The Pest Controller: you may not know ducks are great workers to control pests in the garden or in the farm. As they are great foragers, if you leave a flock of ducks, notably the runner or muscovy, they’ll clear the insects or bugs.
2. Trim The Vegetation: Grasshoppers can hide in the plant or grass. Therefore, trim the long grass or weeds that help the grasshoppers to hide or breed.
3. Row Covers: I prefer to add barriers such as row covers. It will safeguard the plants in your garden or farm. You can even add natural obstacles such as wood chips, sand, or gravel to stop the grasshoppers.
4. Insecticides Usage: Organic insecticides or pesticides can work well too. Add neem oil, garlic spray, or diatomaceous earth to repel insects.
5. Herbaceous Plants As Repellent: Herbs in the garden can be a great natural idea to repel grasshoppers and other insects and rodents. The intense smell of thyme, basil, and marigolds will discourage them from staying near the garden.

Recommended Reading: Do Ducks Eat Insects or Bugs

Summarizing The Article

Ducks, as an omnivore, will surely eat grasshoppers and other insects. Although we rarely see them eating in the yard, you’ll see them in the wild. Anyway, grasshoppers aren’t just their natural meal but come with a wide range of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

However eating grasshoppers will provide some health benefits, but I think they should go for something more nutritious. It’s a free meal in nature! If they find it, let them eat it! Otherwise, don’t bother about whether the avians consume such insects or not. They’ll surely eat any insect for sure!

Sources And References:

• https://poultry.ces.ncsu.edu/backyard-flocks-eggs/other-fowl/feeding-ducks/
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0115531