Ask A Scientist© Zoology Archive

name         Jessica G.
status       other
age          40s

Question -   At my place of employment there's a rather large wooded
area with a bridge fairly well traveled by employees.  A large group of
mallard ducks has taken up residence in close proximity to this bridge
and I have been purchasing wild duck food and feeding them regularly.  It
is getting expensive.  Is there a recipe for wild duck food or, in the
alternative, is there a wholesale place to purchase the proper and
nutritrious food for them in the Melrose Park, IL area?

Please do not give wild ducks any extra food, it can cause them to
congregate in one place where serious diseases like avian botulism and
others are easily transferred through droppings, which has happened several
times the past few winters in northern Illinois, causing large die-offs. It
also causes the birds to become dependent on human handouts and lose all
their wild character, and perhaps suffer needlessly if you or someone else
is NOT there to feed them in severe weather. Believe it or not, the ducks
are in the area because there is enough for them to eat already, and they
do not need any additions. If they run out of food they will fly somewhere
else.
J. Elliott
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