Baby ducks, also known as ducklings, are born with the instinct to eat right away. They are fed by their mother, who provides them with a special type of milk called crop milk. This milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies, helping ducklings grow strong and healthy.
Ducklings will also start to eat solid food within a few days of hatching. Their diet consists of:
- Insects: Ducklings love to eat insects like flies, ants, and beetles.
- Small crustaceans: They will also eat small crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.
- Seeds: Ducklings will also eat seeds, especially small seeds like those found in grass and weeds.
- Plants: They will also eat small plants and leaves.
As ducklings grow older, they will start to eat more solid food and less crop milk. They will also start to learn to forage for their own food.
It is important to note that ducklings should not be fed bread or other human food. These foods can be harmful to ducklings and can even be fatal.
