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Ducks, Geese, and Swans 99

variety of sizes. They can be crushed into a powder for very young waterfowl. For reluctant eaters,
the powdered starter can be sprinkled over the youngsters’ backs. While preening, the chick will
naturally get some of the powder into its mouth and this may stimulate the eating process. Soaked
feline and canine growth pellets, such as Science Diet™ (Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc.), and crushed
hard‐boiled egg can be used as part of a successful starter diet for young waterfowl.
“Shoveling” best describes the method of eating for Anseriformes. The beak works as a strainer
to take in tiny invertebrates and grasses. Dry mash can be a hazard to swallow when it forms a
paste with the bird’s natural saliva. Water must be near the food to allow normal food intake.
Pellets are preferred to mash in most species, because they are easier to eat.
Listing foods for all Anseriformes is a nearly impossible task due to the great variety in diet. The
best information available for species that are not addressed in this chapter is a field guide that
includes diet information (Elphick et al. 2001). As a rule, youngsters eat insects or invertebrate
protein for their first few weeks or month of life and graduate to the wide variety of foods that the
references list for adults as they develop to maturity. Local, natural areas will be the guide as to
what insects, invertebrates, or other listed diet items are available during nesting season and there-
fore used as food for waterfowl. General foods are minnows, crayfish, insects including grasshop-
pers, crickets, bloodworms, waxworms, and mealworms, as well as a variety of natural grains and
grasses.
Shallow dishes or saucers make appropriate dishes for ducklings. Dishes with the size and depth
of a cake‐pan are needed for goslings and cygnets. Water founts, available in most farm equipment
supply stores for domestic fowl, may be used. Include pea gravel on the bottom of water founts and
dishes to prevent the youngsters from entering the water and possibly drowning. As odd as it
sounds, waterfowl young do drown in shallow water. Water must be changed frequently and dishes
washed to prevent bacterial growth and subsequent illness.
Aggressive behavior at the food dish suggests that more food or a different variety of food is
needed. Increased urgency in peeping occurs when chicks are either imprinted, hungry, or lonely.
If the feces are normal consistency and the chick is eating, it may not be eating adequately. It may
be advisable to supplement tube‐feedings a few times to see whether the vocalizations calm. Offer
a new food variety, such a small minnows or active insects. Examine the vent of chicks that appear
fluffed, lethargic, or are avoiding other chicks. Soft feces can dry and build up on down near the
vent and not allow the chick to defecate. In this case, wash the area with warm water until the
material is removed.

Emaciation Diet for Debilitated Waterfowl
2 oz (56 g) human baby mixed grain cereal, such as Gerber’s brand.
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One 2.5 oz (71 g) jar of Gerber’s baby meat food (beef, chicken, turkey or veal).
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One 2.5 oz (71 g) jar of water.
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One 2.5 oz (71 g) jar of human infant electrolyte replacer, such as Pedialyte.
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Whip ingredients together, adding more water if needed, until the diet will pass through an
appropriately sized French red rubber feeding tube (catheter tube) or metal feeding tube. Make the
diet thinner for very weak patients.
The diet should be prepared fresh for each feeding in the amount needed. Feed the amount that
fills the crop and is able to be moved out of the crop in an hour. If the chick regurgitates or fluid
comes up, cut back the quantity given. Continue tube‐feedings until the chick is eating on its own.
Offer food items when the chick is able to stand. The diet must be warmed to 85 °F (30 °C) when