These birds don’t know that bread is not good for them and will fill up on the non-nutritional meal, making them too full to forage and consume their natural diet.

• They are primarily carbohydrates and do not provide the protein and vitamins birds need.

• They can cause gastrointestinal issues in birds. They cause physical deformities, such as “Angel Wings” in ducks and geese, making them unable to fly and thus unable to migrate.

• Bread becomes moldy, which is toxic to birds.

• Uneaten bread decomposes and pollutes the water, leading to increased algae growth, diseases, and possibly inviting unwanted pests.

• Wild birds that normally migrate may stay put due to the supply of “easy” food, which can lead to exposure to the elements, lack of food, and possible starvation during the winter.

• Feeding ducks and geese can lead to them losing their natural fear of humans and may become more vulnerable to predators, vehicles, and other dangers.

• Many parks have signs discouraging or prohibiting feeding wildlife, and some cities or counties may have ordinances against it.

Instead:

• Plant native plants, the best source for food, in your yard for birds.

• Supplement with a quality birdseed from a reputable source when needed.

• Ducks and geese at local parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, etc are capable of foraging for themselves and don’t need us to feed them. If you do decide to feed ducks and geese, choose foods that are considered “healthy” for them such as seeds, oats, CRACKED corn (no whole kernel corn), grains, chopped romaine lettuce (no iceberg), frozen peas, or sliced grapes which offer more nutrition than bread.

• Please make sure everything is cut into bite-sized pieces since ducks don’t chew their food.