Should we feed ducks at the park, or are they best left alone?
Carshalton Ponds are a scenic oasis in the heart of Carshalton – a great place to relax and watch the birds. Wherever you look, there are ducks, geese, pigeons, herons and swans. Stand at the railing and within 5 minutes a few birds will eagerly paddle over to see if you are going to give them some food. If you don’t, they will wander off, looking back pointedly, in case you suddenly relent.
However, many people do feed them. Some buy whole loaves of bread to scatter in the water and often bring their children, passing down the duck feeding tradition through the ages. It’s a great way of engaging with the wildlife. Unfortunately, while people may feel they are helping nature, they are often unaware of the negative consequences of giving the ducks so much bread to gorge themselves on.
Most conservation charities agree that bread is not healthy for ducks and the environment they live in. "Although ducks and swans can digest all types of bread, too much can leave them feeling full without giving them all of the important vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need," says the RSPB.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) says there are “various studies” that suggest a protein imbalance can cause a disease called angel wing, which could render some birds flightless. “Bread often contains more protein than aquatic vegetation, and angel wing is often seen in birds in public parks. So bread is implicated.” What’s more, bread left uneaten either attracts rats or combines with the duck faeces to cause unwanted algae blooms and pollute the river. More ducks lead to overcrowding and the spread of diseases like bird flu.
The short answer is that feeding the ducks lots of bread harms both the ducks and the ponds.
If you tell people not to feed ducks, there are problems that, ahem, float to the surface.
“I used to go to the park with my mum and dad,” says 13 year-old Sophia Saif. “I liked feeding the ducks because they’re cute!” Many people find feeding the ducks relaxing and good for their mental health. These people are understandably upset when told they can’t do it any more. And while environmentalists argue over whether duck feeding is good or not, the majority of the public is left confused or oblivious to the problem entirely.
So, what can we do? Steer clear of feeding them bread and instead feed them vegetables, bird seed or wheat grains. By increasing the range of food, the birds will be healthier. To reduce problems with overcrowding and pollution, the local authorities are also asking people to feed the ducks less, and not simply use the ponds as a dumping ground for stale food. So, next time you head to Carshalton Ponds, just remember their latest slogan: Feed the ducks if you must, but just a crust!
