Feeding Waterfowl in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Feeding birds like swans, ducks, and geese is a popular pastime across the UK, offering a wonderful way to connect with nature. However, many people are unaware that common foods like bread can be harmful to these waterfowl. In this guide, we’ll cover what you should and shouldn’t feed them, why it matters, and tips for responsible feeding.

Why Feeding Birds the Right Food Is Important

While feeding birds can be enjoyable, it’s crucial to remember that wild waterfowl are capable of finding natural food sources. Poor feeding habits can lead to:

• Malnutrition: Foods like bread lack the nutrients birds need, leading to health issues such as “angel wing,” a deformity caused by nutritional imbalances.
• Pollution: Leftover food pollutes waterways, encouraging algae growth that harms aquatic life.
• Overcrowding: Easy food sources attract large flocks, increasing disease spread among birds.
• Dependency: Regular feeding can make birds reliant on humans, reducing their natural foraging instincts.

Best Foods to Feed Swans, Ducks, and Geese

When choosing food, aim for items that mimic their natural diet or provide essential nutrients:

Grains and Seeds

• Cracked corn: Easier to digest than whole corn.
• Oats: Rolled oats, instant oats, or even porridge oats (uncooked).
• Barley: A great grain option that floats on water, making it easy for birds to eat.

Vegetables (Chopped and Fresh)

• Lettuce: Romaine or other leafy greens are excellent choices (avoid iceberg as it has little nutritional value).
• Cabbage, kale, and spinach: Shredded for easy consumption.
• Peas: Defrosted if frozen, as they are rich in vitamins.
• Sweetcorn: Also defrosted if frozen.

Bird Seed

Wild bird seed mixes are readily available and contain a balanced mix of grains and seeds. Opt for mixes without added artificial colours or flavours.

Specialist Waterfowl Pellets

Many wildlife centres and pet shops sell pellets designed specifically for ducks, swans, and geese. These are nutritionally balanced and float on water, preventing pollution.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can be harmful or even fatal to waterfowl:

• Bread: Offers no nutritional value and can cause malnutrition and water pollution.
• Crisps, biscuits, and sweets: High in salt and sugar, which are toxic to birds.
• Mouldy food: Can contain harmful fungi and bacteria.
• Raw rice: Can expand in birds’ stomachs, causing discomfort.
• Avocado, onions, and chocolate: Toxic to many bird species.

How to Feed Responsibly

1. Feed in Moderation Even healthy food should be given sparingly. Birds need to forage naturally to maintain a balanced diet.

2. Scatter Food Spread food widely to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to aggressive behaviour and disease transmission.

3. Keep It Clean Avoid leaving food scraps behind, as they attract pests and pollute waterways.

4. Choose Natural Feeding Spots Feed birds near water so they can easily access drinking water and wash down their food.

Understanding Natural Diets

In the wild, swans, ducks, and geese eat a variety of natural foods:

• Swans: Primarily aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates.
• Ducks: A mix of aquatic plants, insects, snails, and small fish.
• Geese: Grasses, grains, and leafy vegetation.

By offering foods that complement their natural diet, you help support their health and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Feeding waterfowl can be a joyful activity, but it comes with responsibility. By choosing nutritious, appropriate foods and feeding in moderation, you’re contributing to the health of local bird populations and their natural habitats. So next time you head to the park, skip the bread and bring along something healthier—both the birds and the environment will thank you!