Why swans and ducks should not be fed bread

Although most species of swans are migratory, some stay to spend the winter near urban water bodies, where people feed the birds to help them survive the cold. However, people often feed these proud beauties with bread, not realizing that it is deadly food for them.

The Executive Committee of the Slavuta City Council reported on its Facebook page that two young swans had recently died in the city, and an examination showed that the cause was stomach blockage caused by bread. Biologists emphasize that swans and ducks should not be fed with baked goods, but grain can be given, Open Dniester writes.

"Bread is a harmful junk food for wild waterfowl that can lead to serious health problems. White bread has essentially no nutritional value, except for calories," explains the Ukrainian Society for the Protection of Birds.

Nevertheless, zoologists record the death of birds in Ukraine every year due to eating bread. Many people are unaware of its harm to birds, and it is significant, experts say.

According to scientists, during digestion, bread forms kvass, which acidifies the birds' digestive system, leading to diarrhea and other serious diseases, such as stomach acidosis or "angel wings" syndrome. This is incurable for adult birds, causing the wings to grow upward, making it difficult to fly and can lead to death.

Bread is high in salt, which birds should not consume as it disrupts the water balance of their bodies. Bread also usually causes nutritional deficiencies in birds. The consequences are weakened immunity, illness and death, experts say.

Bread harms not only birds but also entire ecosystems. According to ecologists, the decay of wheat products causes excessive growth of algae on the surface of water bodies, which in turn absorb oxygen and, as they rot, release toxins dangerous to fish.

Zoologists advise feeding ducks and swans cereal grains, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, corn or bran, ground nuts, and unsweetened oatmeal. Finely chopped vegetables (raw or cooked, but without adding salt), such as carrots, cabbage, or fodder beets, will also be useful for birds.

However, scientists emphasize that birds should be fed to save them only in severe frost (-15°C and below) or if the bird is injured or sick.

After all, birds are preparing for winter by accumulating significant fat reserves, which are used up in unfavorable winter conditions. And prolonged feeding of birds means that they stop looking for food on their own, are not afraid of people and do not fly away for the winter.

The most important thing that a waterfowl needs to survive in winter is an unfrozen section of a river or pond. It is in the water that birds find food, experts emphasize.

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