Yes, ducks can eat tadpoles as they are omnivorous. However, it is usually presumed that ducks are herbivorous and enjoy green leafy vegetables or grass, but they also tend to eat non-veg proteins that include frogs, insects, snails, small fishes, worms, etc.
Ducks have the capability to eat aquatic insects, amphibians, or fishes that they encounter while being around the pond. The size of these non-veg items are usually small in size, such as tadpoles.
But, is it safe for ducks to eat tadpoles? Let’s find out.
Does Every Duck Eat Tadpoles?
The tendency to eat tadpoles varies from one species of duck to another. Mallard ducks are hunters in nature and eat tadpoles and frogs more when compared with other duck breeds. Mostly, during the nesting season, the ducks tend to eat frogs and tadpoles as the required high protein concentration is important to raise the young ones. You might find that the female ducks are the ones that hunt tadpoles or frogs while the male ducks are not much interested. Domesticated ducks might be hesitant to eat a frog or tadpole when they find one, but might taste them out of curiosity.
Do Ducks Eat Frog Eggs?
Yes, ducks eat frog eggs which later on turn into tadpoles and undergo metamorphosis to form frogs. If the ducks are hungry, then they might eat frogs, spawn, eggs or tadpoles, anything they encounter. However, if there is a choice given between frog eggs, tadpoles, and frogs, ducks would choose eggs because even when the smallest frog is swallowed by them, it can cause a choking hazard, leading to suffocation and death. Ducks like to eat frog eggs as they are easily available and they are packed with protein.
Why Do Ducks Like Tadpoles?
Tadpoles are more manageable for ducks when compared with frogs, and they are found on the water’s surface, so easy to detect. These are the staple food for ducks when there are no other food items available around. The ducks that are kept in a barn or captivity, usually do not find tadpoles or frogs to eat as they are given a healthy nutrient-rich diet by the owner.
What Should be the Best Meal for the Ducks in the Barn?
If you have a duck barn, then try to create a tasty and healthy meal for them. You can include food items, like fruits, nuts, grass, insects, and algae. A well-balanced diet not only keeps the ducks healthy, and happy but also stress-free.
What Kind of Food Should be Avoided For Ducks?
You need to avoid feeding them citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, which interfere with the calcium absorption process in the duck and also affect the eggs, making them thin-shelled.
