Wild Things | Swan & Duck Food | 1.5kg

Wild Things Swan & Duck Food is a highly palatable, nutritious and ecologically friendly alternative to bread for feeding swans & ducks at your local river or pond.

As with all Wild Things foods, Swan & Duck has been developed and trialled in conjunction with wildlife hospitals and experts to provide a complementary diet that meets the nutritional needs of wildfowl.

Although many of us have happy childhood memories of feeding bread to ducks, advice from bird welfare charities such as the RSPB and from organisations such as the Canal and River Trust now urges the public to consider alternatives to bread, for both nutritional and environmental reasons.

Having large quantities of bread available can cause both disabling and fatal health conditions in ducks and swans. Despite being tasty to birds, bread has no real nutritional value and can encourage them to simply fill up on bread and reject other, more beneficial, foods. This lack of nutrients can be very damaging and even fatal. Wild Things food is specially formulated to provide the correct nutrients and balanced to suit the natural diet of ducks & swans.

Feeding Wild Things Swan & Duck Food rather than bread also has a positive environmental impact on local rivers and lakes. The pellets are designed to float on water, which means that the food stays on the surface and accessible to the animals for longer periods of time. It also prevents water pollution that can be caused by bread sinking and rotting. Rotten bread provides an excellent surface for harmful bacteria to multiply, causes algae to bloom and can attract rats and other small animals.

Whether you are planning a fun family day out or a regular feeder of ducks & swans, Wild Things food is a perfect choice.

Available in 1.5kg 

Feeding Guide: Throw a handful of pellets into different areas of the water. We advise that you feed ducks & swans only in the water and do not use food to encourage them on to the banks. It may take several days for the birds to get used to their change in diet, particularly if they are used to being fed bread. 

Composition: Wheat, Wheatfeed, Soya, Whole Maize, Fish Meal, Soyal Oil, Minerals

Wild Things Swan & Duck Food 1.5kg - FAQs

Q1: What is Wild Things Swan & Duck Food? A1: Wild Things Swan & Duck Food is a specialized complementary feed for swans and ducks, formulated as small, dry, nutritious nuggets. It's designed to float on water, making it easily accessible to the birds and reducing water pollution.

Q2: Why should I feed swans and ducks this food instead of bread? A2: Bread offers very little nutritional value to swans and ducks and can lead to malnutrition, disease (like "angel wing" in young birds), and even fatal health conditions. It fills their stomachs without providing essential nutrients, causing them to neglect their natural diet. Wild Things Swan & Duck Food is specifically balanced with the necessary nutrients to keep them healthy.

Q3: Is it environmentally friendly? A3: Yes. The pellets are designed to float, which means more of the food is eaten and less sinks to the bottom to rot. This prevents water pollution caused by decaying food, which can lead to harmful bacteria and algae blooms.

Q4: Will the birds eat it if they're used to bread? A4: It might take a few days for the birds to get accustomed to the new food, especially if they are used to being fed bread. Be patient, they will eventually take to it.

Q5: Is this food suitable for all wildfowl? A5: Yes, it is generally suitable for swans, ducks, geese, moorhens, and coots, as they share similar dietary needs.

Q6: How should I store the food? A6: Store it in cool, dry conditions, away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it's best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Q7: What foods should I absolutely avoid feeding swans and ducks? A7:

• Bread: As mentioned, it lacks nutrients and can cause health problems and water pollution.
• Mouldy food: Can cause serious illness or be fatal.
• Processed human foods: Crisps, popcorn, sugary cereals, cakes, pastries, salty foods, chocolate, dairy products. These are unhealthy and can cause digestive issues.
• Citrus fruits: High acidity can cause digestive problems.
• Onions and related vegetables: Can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and hemolytic anemia.
• Avocado: Poisonous to birds and can cause heart failure.

Q8: How much should I feed them? A8: Feed in moderation. Offer small amounts at a time and stop when the birds lose interest or if there's uneaten food left floating. Overfeeding can lead to health problems for the birds and pollution in the water.

Q9: Should I feed swans and ducks all year round? A9: While they forage for their natural diet, supplementary feeding can be beneficial, especially during times of natural food scarcity (like winter or early spring) or during the breeding season. However, avoid making them entirely reliant on human-provided food.

Q10: Is it okay for children to feed the ducks and swans? A10: Yes, it can be a rewarding experience. However, always supervise children closely and ensure they maintain a respectful distance from the birds, especially larger ones like swans, as they can be territorial. Always throw food into the water.