FEEDING OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS ON THE RIVER STOUR
- Sudbury Town Council
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Feeding the swans, ducks and other wildfowl on the River Stour has always been a well-enjoyed past time in Sudbury. Whether it is at The Croft, the Mill Pond or down at Friars Meadow, you will no doubt have regularly seen adults and children alike feeding our feathered friends.
But are we feeding them the best diet?
Whilst you can still feed ducks bread, it is advised to only do this occasionally due to the low nutritional value and to ensure it is not mouldy, as this can make them ill. So what can you feed them instead? Sudbury Town Council have teamed up with The River Stour Trust & Sudbury Common Lands Charity to bring you all the information you need to feed the wildfowl a varied and healthy diet.
Feed ducks as a treat - these birds already have everything they need in their natural environment, so feeding the ducks should be as much of a treat for them as it is you.
Make good use of certain food waste - lettuce, kale & rocket are great snacks for ducks, swans and wildfowl, so before you throw leftovers in the bin, think about bagging it up and taking a trip to the Croft instead.
Sweetcorn is a perfect treat for ducks. Again, save any leftovers or think about purchasing a tin of sweetcorn instead of a loaf of bread (it's also more cost effective).
Still thinking about zero food waste, feed them some leftover rice. Please be sure to rinse any sauces off first. Uncooked rice can also be used.
Frozen peas are also a tasty and nutritional supplement to wildfowl diet. These don't need to be cooked first but do need to be defrosted - take them out of the freezer the night before and you'll be good to go.
Oats are always a great way to start the day, even for ducks and swans! Rolled oats, flapjacks and even instant porridge oats can be used when feeding them.
Lastly, seeds, nuts and duck/swan pellets are always a great choice. Whether you're picking the nuts and seeds up in your local supermarket or visiting Wayne's Pet Supplies on Sudbury Market (Thursday, Friday & Saturday outside of the Town Hall), these are a special and nutritious treat for ducks and their friends. Wayne's duck pellets will also be available Mon-Wed from the Tourist Information Centre on Gaol Lane soon, so please keep an eye on our website and social media platforms for updates.
Please note, the following list are foods which should be avoided when feeding ducks, swans and other wildfowl:
Crisps/other junk food.
Popcorn - hard to digest and can become lodged.
Cornflakes - these and similar cereals are high in sugar and additives.
Citrus Fruits - can induce digestive issues.
Onions (and related vegetables) - can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, hemolytic anaemia & respiratory illness.
Spinach - this can induce egg binding issues by interfering with calcium production.
Avocados - poisonous to birds, especially ducks, and can cause heart failure.
Other handy hints and tips:
Feed ducks as a rare treat.
Make sure food is in bite-sized portions as they do not chew their food.
If they show no interest in eating, stop feeding them. Food that is left can attract bugs.
Be cautious when feeding large birds such as geese and swans as they can become aggressive.
Carefully dispose of any food packaging safely. There are several bins in and around the Croft and Meadows.
Please refrain from allowing pets or children from chasing or disturbing the birds.
If other people are already feeding ducks where you intended to, look for another place that is free, this reduces the risk of overfeeding.
Please be mindful of wildfowl with babies, they can become aggressive when protective.
During grazing season, please be mindful of cows on the meadows and ensure you provide a clear path if they are heading into the river.
If you have any questions on what to feed ducks, swans and wildfowl, there will be signage at designated areas, which can also be found here.
Thank you for looking after our wildlife and enjoying Sudbury meadows and The Croft.
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