Can ducks eat kiwi? Yes, most ducks love kiwi and will eat any variety. There are a couple of things to remember when preparing kiwi and feeding it to your ducks.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about feeding kiwi to your ducks.
What are Kiwis?
Kiwi is a sweet fruit that’s related to grapefruit. It has brown, fuzzy skin and small black seeds. Kiwis are high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and copper.
In addition to being a delicious treat for humans, kiwis are also popular with ducks.
[DuckAffiliate]
Is Kiwi Safe for Ducks?
Yes, all parts of the kiwi fruit are safe for ducks to eat. Kiwi fruit is usually eaten whole.
There’s a potential concern that kiwi has an enzyme called actinidine which may affect the reproductive systems of some animals. However, most sources say there have been no known ill effects from feeding kiwi fruit to ducks.
Fruit-bearing trees are popular with many backyard duck owners because they provide a source of natural foraging for their ducks and reduce the need to spend so much money on store-bought treats.
Kiwis can be planted in small backyards or large farms alike. They also grow well in containers so even apartment dwellers can plant them indoors.
Health Benefits of Kiwi for Ducks
A diet with fresh fruit is always a plus for ducks and most birds. Fresh fruits provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep their immune system strong and help them look and feel their best.
Ducks who eat kiwi can enjoy improved digestion from the fiber in kiwi. Kiwis are an excellent source of potassium which provides electrolytes essential to maintain muscle function in ducks’ bodies.
In addition to improved health, ducks will also enjoy better feather quality when they regularly include kiwi in their diets. Eating healthy foods like kiwi regularly can even help reduce your duck’s susceptibility to parasites that might not be entirely removed by some medications or treatments.
Are there any Risks in Feeding Kiwi to Ducks?
Even though kiwis are very healthy for ducks, there is one potential risk. Some people believe that if you feed your duck too many seeds or pits from fruit like kiwi, it may lead to impaction.
A few things can help prevent this problem. One solution is simply to buy seedless varieties of fresh fruit. Many sites suggest feeding the whole fruit with the skin and all rather than slicing up pieces because doing so will remove any concerns about sharp seeds or peelings getting caught in their throats or digestive tract.
Another option for avoiding problems with digestion is to introduce them slowly into your duck’s diet just as you would introduce any new type of food for the first time. If introducing kiwi into your duck’s diet for the first time, keep offering just a few pieces on the same day.
Observe your duck’s reaction in the following days to make sure everything is going well before adding more kiwi fruit to their diet. Some ducks might even take several days to show any signs of illness or discomfort when they eat something new so you’ll want to watch for problems no matter how long it takes.
Finally, if you notice anything out of the ordinary like vomiting or loss of appetite after feeding your duck kiwi fruit, stop immediately and contact your veterinarian.
How to Prepare Kiwi for Ducks?
Kiwis can be served whole or sliced. If you do slice the fruit, offer your duck only a few slices at a time. Smaller fruit will usually have smaller seeds which should reduce any concerns about impaction mentioned above.
If you want to feed kiwi whole to your ducks, use a pair of sturdy kitchen shears or sharp poultry shears to cut off both ends of the fruit so they don’t accidentally choke on it while eating.
To remove the skin, hold the kiwi in one hand and carefully insert the tip of your shears into the skin at one end of the fruit. Cut down all around until you can peel back part of the skin away from the flesh. Repeat this process on the other side of the kiwi and on each end of it.
You can now slice or quarter the fruit using your scissors as a guide if you wish before offering it to your duck.
How Often Should I Feed my Ducks Kiwi?
As a rule of thumb, you should limit fruit consumption to around 10% of your duck’s total daily food intake. This means a small kiwi is a single serving for your bird.
If you feed just one serving of kiwi to your duck, offer it three times a week or less.
Remember that your duck’s diet should be rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to provide the balanced nutrients they need for good health. Feeding different types of fresh produce allows them to get all the vitamins and minerals needed from their food so an overconsumption of any single fruit is unlikely.
For ducks with suspected nutritional deficiencies or other special needs, ask your veterinarian about adding an appropriate vitamin supplement to their water supply instead. This will ensure they get the right dosage without consuming too much fruit every day while allowing them to enjoy some tasty treats as well.
Can Ducks Drink Kiwi Juice?
Ducks can drink the juice from a ripe kiwi without choking.
However, be aware that it’s high in sugar and acid so introduce this fruit slowly into your duck’s diet just as you would any other new food.
Kiwi has a very distinct, strong flavor and aroma and some ducks may not like it at first. Start with just a few drops of the juice on their beak to get them used to the taste before offering more.
Can Ducks Eat Kiwi Skin and Seeds?
Yes, your ducks can eat kiwi skin and seeds. The fact they have no trouble eating the rest of the fruit means you shouldn’t be concerned about their safety at all.
Ducks are very hardy birds who can eat almost anything so feeding them any part of a kiwi is not considered problematic at all by poultry experts.
To avoid impaction, remove the skin first if it’s thick before offering pieces to your duck. Young ducks will choke on large pieces of fruit that don’t easily break down in their gizzard as happens in older adult ducks.
Can Ducklings Eat Kiwi?
Kiwi is an excellent food choice for ducklings from 28 days until they reach adulthood.
Just as with adult ducks, introduce kiwi gradually into your ducklings’ diet to avoid digestive upset just like any other new fruit you give them.
If you notice any signs of illness after introducing kiwis into their diet, stop immediately and contact your veterinarian if the symptoms don’t go away on their own.
Can Ducks Eat Kiwi – Final Thoughts
Ducks love kiwi and will eat any variety. There are a couple of things to remember when preparing kiwi and feeding it to your ducks, such as removing the seeds. Be sure to try giving your ducks some kiwi – they’re sure to love it!
Related Articles: