Ducks out looking for food find worms isn’t too uncommon. Being omnivores, they gobble up those worms whenever they can. But you gotta wonder – are worms actually good for ducks?
Do ducks eat worms? Yes, ducks do eat worms, indeed. Worms are packed with protein, fiber, and calcium, which is essential for ducks’ health and overall mental well-being. However, research claims that contaminated bread, water, or anything can carry worms that are harmful, which may lead to death.
Worms are amazing as a nutritional food for ducks. But interestingly, it can even bring death if it carries harmful parasites inside. Sounds good, right? Come, let’s have a chat on this.
Table of Contents
Do Ducks Eat Worms? Sure Thing!
Ducks eat worms. Worms are nutritious and come with plenty of protein that is good for ducks’ growth. Let’s have a brief discussion featuring worms in the duck’s diet.
Do Ducks Like Worms? Doesn’t Matter!
I can’t really tell ducks like, or dislike worms. Because ducks are omnivores, they will go crazy over any food that is given to them and eat anything that is digestive while they’re foraging.
But worms come with protein and can be a potential source of iron and calcium, which will boost bone health for ducks. So, it doesn’t matter whether or not ducks do like worms. It’s nutritious, and ducks can eat it.
Are Worms Safe for Ducks? Not Entirely
Tough to answer in short. Worms are safe, but not entirety. There are some worms, and consuming those can cause trouble because these worms come with parasites that are harmful to ducks. We will discuss the unsafe worms later.
So, my answer is, that maximum worms are safe, except for a few. Stay away from feeding these worms to your ducks.
Can Baby Ducks Eat Worms? Absolutely Yes
Yep, worms are like superfoods for baby ducks. They’re loaded with protein that helps baby ducks grow faster. Worms also bring calcium and iron, which are good for bones.
But don’t go crazy with the worm feast – give the right amount, and those little ducklings will be super happy and healthy.
Do Ducks Eat All the Worms? No
No. All the types of worms aren’t safe for ducks. If you have some Mallards in your backyard, for example, do not give them just any worms that you found. Some worms can carry harmful parasites such as nematodes and liver flukes.
Recommended Reads:
15 Worms That Are Safe For Ducks
I said that while maximum worms are safe, some of the worms are unsafe. Now, let’s have a look at some worms that have high availability and are commonly seen here and there. We will have a look at where the worms are available, how is their appearance, and all that.
Let’s have a look.
| Worm | Scientific Name | Availability | Appearance |
| Earthworm | Lumbricus terrestris | Common in soil | Reddish-brown, cylindrical, segmented body |
| Mealworm | Tenebrio molitor | Available as larvae | Small, brownish, segmented body |
| Red Wiggler | Eisenia fetida | Common in organic matter | Reddish-brown, slender, segmented body |
| Garden Worm | Aporrectodea spp. | Found in soil | Reddish-brown or pinkish, cylindrical |
| Tiger Worm | Eisenia veneta | Used in vermicomposting | Striped, reddish-brown, dark bands |
| Bloodworm | Chironomidae | Aquatic habitats | Small, reddish, slim, segmented body |
| Waxworm | Galleria mellonella | Commercially bred | Creamy-white, soft, plump body |
| Silkworm | Bombyx mori | Cultivated | Creamy-white body |
| Cabbage Worm | Pieris rapae | Found on plants | Greenish body, slim shape |
| Wireworm | Agriotes spp. | Found in soil | Slender, cylindrical, brown or yellowish |
| Slugworm | Arion spp. | Damp environments | Soft, slimy body, brown or black |
| Hornworm | Manduca spp. | Found on plants | Large, plump body |
| Grub | Scarabaeidae | Found in soil | Creamy-white body, C-shaped |
| Aquatic Worm | Lumbriculus variegatus | Freshwater habitats | Slender, segmented, reddish or brownish |
| Midge Larva (Bloodworm) | Chironomidae | Aquatic environments | Long, slender, red or pink |
These worms are commonly found here in Northern America and the regions around them. I have tried to give you a visual by adding the appearance here for your better understanding.
Did you notice one thing? All the safe worms mentioned above have a common feature in appearance. Many of them have segmented bodies. So, if you see a worm with a segmented body, you may assume this worm is safe.
3 Deadly Worm Types for Ducks
Some worms are unsafe. And these worms are potentially fatal for ducks as well. But first, let’s have a look at some unsafe worms that come with parasites and harmful compounds.
I have so far found three worms that are unsafe for ducks. These are as follows:
1. Nematodes
Some nematodes can have severe consequences for ducks such as diarrhea or apathy. According to expert vets, the disease is called helminthiasis caused by Nematoda infection. The mass disease inflation is caused by poorly managed litter, added vets.
2. Tapeworms
Tapeworms, flatworms, and other similar types of worms posses kind of the same threats. Tapeworms, or similar kinds of worms, affect different body organs and cause health difficulties such as
3. Liver Flukes
Consuming water plants that are contaminated can cause liver fluke infection. This is a kind of flatworm that can affect the liver health of both human and poultry livestock.
How Worms Can Inflict Severe Damage?
Here’s how worms can cause severe damage
- Tissue Damage: Sometimes, they attach themselves to the intestinal lining, respiratory tract, blood vessels, or other organs. As a result, it turns out to be inflammation, ulceration, and scarring. This can lead to impaired organ function and nutrient absorption.
- Nutritional Depletion: Some parasitic worms consume the host’s nutrients. This will eventually cause nutritional deficiencies.
- Immune System Modulation: Parasitic worms can modulate the host’s immune system as well. They can weaken the immune system by altering the immune system. This thing eventually makes the host more vulnerable to other health problems, leading to other infections as well.
How to Identify Harmful Worms?
Actually, there’s no such method to spot harmful worms. Normally, worms are a safe choice for ducks to eat. However, if you’re concerned that harmful worms might be near your home, it’s a good idea to personally feed your ducks instead of letting them forage for food on their own.
Are Worms Potentially Deadly for Ducks? (An Explanation with Reference)
First thing first, I want to clear up that, I’m not assuming worms can literally cause death. Rather I’m saying they can potentially cause death. According to research in the US, worms can consume mercury, which can be fatal for longer consequences.
Some worms, such as gizzard worms, may infect the respiratory system of ducks. Especially when ducks consume contaminated food or water, they’re on the verge of getting infected.
The symptoms may include breathing difficulties, coughing, and gasping for air. Severe infestations can obstruct the airways, and the ducks ducks may feel suffocated. At this stage, they may even die with severe consequences.
How is Worms Beneficial? 3 Beneficial Approaches!
Worms are surely beneficial for your ducks if you feed them appropriately. Let’s have a look at three key benefits worms can bring to ducks:
1. Nutritional Value
Worms are a good source of protein for ducks. Worms come with essential amino acids that contribute to the ducks’ growth, development, and overall health. Do not forget that, protein is also important for muscle development and the production of feathers and eggs as well.
2. Digestive Health
Worms ensure a better digestive system for ducks. They have essential enzymes that aid in the breakdown and food digestion. The high fiber content is what sets worms as a good choice for the digestive system.
3. Natural Pest Control
Here comes the most important thing. Worms can help control populations of harmful insects and pests in the ducks’ environment.
Ducks have a natural appetite to eat insects, including worms, which can help keep pest populations in check.
Is There Any Serving Method? They’ll Find It Themselves
No, there’s no specific serving method. You should put the whole thing up to your ducks. Allow them to forage for a while every day. Let them eat whatever they find while foraging. That’s it. No need to serve I guess.
Recommended Reading: Do Ducks Like Insects
Bottom Line
Worms are beneficial for ducks and probably will get letter marks as an ideal food for them. Do not particularly think of feeding them worms. Instead, let them forage, and they’ll find it themselves.
However, please be aware of some potentially harmful worms. Carefully notice if your ducks show a signs of illness, such as difficulty in breathing, coughing, and suffocation. Do not feed them contaminated food or water, as it may bring death to your ducks potentially.
Source And References:
- https://archive.epa.gov/reg5sfun/ecology/web/html/toxprofiles.html
