Do ducks eat ladybugs? Yes! That’s right; ducks will happily munch on a ladybug if given the opportunity just as they would any other insect.
That’s one of the many reasons why having a duck or two on your property can help to keep your garden bug-free and help ensure that you’re able to grow healthy plants.
But why would anyone want to feed a duck a Ladybug? It turns out that it’s not as crazy as it sounds and there is actually a very good reason why you might want to feed your pet duck these little bugs.
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What Are Ladybugs? Are they Pests?
Ladybugs are also known by their scientific name, Coccinella septempunctata; they are a type of beetle.
The ladybug is a very common garden insect pest that feeds on plants and insects that might otherwise cause damage to crops. If you want to get rid of ladybugs, you should avoid killing them – these bugs are actually a useful gardener’s friend.
In fact, ladybugs are known for their very helpful role in the ecosystem. These cute red and black insects eat lots of other harmful insects, including aphids that damage plants or crops. They are very common throughout North America and Europe and help keep many common pests under control.
Are Ladyburgs Healthy For Ducks?
Ladybugs are perfectly safe for ducks to eat without any side effects or problems.
Ladybugs are a particularly nutritious treat for your ducks, they are also full of vitamins, minerals and all the things that are beneficial to a strong, healthy duck.
They’re particularly high in calcium and vitamin B, which is excellent for your birds’ growing feathers and for their health. And, as ladybugs are a protein-rich food, they help ducks to get the nutrition they need without adding too many carbs or fat.
They are also rich in vitamin D, which is very useful for the development of strong bones.
Ladybugs are a great source of fiber and also very rich in minerals, such as iron and potassium, they help to prevent deficiencies in your ducks’ diet.
The iron helps to boost your birds’ immune system as well – especially when they’re busy growing new feathers or enjoying the summertime outside in the sun!
What Bugs And Insects Do Ducks Eat?
Ducks are omnivores and need a wide variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in their diet to stay healthy, happy and strong.
Ducks will eat almost any kind of insect or any other small bug. And, similar to humans, the best insects for your ducks to eat are those that are naturally high in protein. Ducks also love mealworms, which are another high-protein treat that you can offer your birds.
The most common are:
–Ants and Termites: Ants, especially fire ants and cane ants, are loved by ducks of all ages. They pack quite a bit of protein and some calcium, which is especially important to help your ducklings to develop strong bones.
–Beetles: There are hundreds of different kinds of beetles, so it’s really hard to say which ones are the best for your duck. Beetles can usually be found in dirt or under rocks and may be more difficult to spot than other bugs. But if you do find them, they’re a great source of protein that your duck won’t pass up!
-Cicadas: Cicadas may look gross at first glance (they have very big heads!), but there isn’t anything gross about their taste! Lots of ducks love cicadas for their iron content and high levels of vitamin B12.
–Cockroaches: Roaches are an excellent insect for ducks because they’re packed full of protein. And they’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals like riboflavin (vitamin B2), calcium, iron and zinc! They even contain omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent the development of arthritis in mature ducks!
–Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are a favorite treat that most duck owners give their birds on occasion because they provide loads of proteins as well as other nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Your birds will gobble them up in no time at all – just make sure that you purchase grasshoppers that have not been sprayed with any insecticides.
-Worms: Worms are a great source of protein and fat, which is why most duck owners will give them to their birds on occasion. They don’t typically live in the wild, but you can purchase them at your local pet store for a healthy snack for your duck!
–Flies: A great bug your duck is the common housefly. They provide a lot of protein and are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iron and zinc.
In Summary
Ducks love to eat bugs and insects, this includes ladybugs! These bugs are particularly high in calcium and vitamins, so make a great treat for your birds.
