When you think of ducks and other waterfowl you probably think of them
swimming freely and being fed on warm, sunny days. But what happens to these
beautiful water birds in the colder months? Everyone stays inside, visiting lakes and
ponds to take care of ducks becomes the last thing on people’s minds and as a result,
these poor creatures are dying.
The Milford Chapter of the Jaycees is working to prevent this tragedy from
occurring. We would like to ask members of the community to help with the duck’s
survival by purchasing straw and distributing it to the Milford Duck Pond. The ducks
use straw to create bedding, which keeps them warm in the winter. This is essential to
ducklings, who are extremely vulnerable to the harsh winter weather.
We would also like to ask people to distribute healthy food to the Milford
Duck Pond. Contrary to what most of us are taught, bread and crackers are not good
for ducks and other waterfowl. It can swell up in their throats, causing them to choke.
It also enlarges their organs, leading to heart and liver disease and then death. Special
food that is nutritionally designed for ducks comes in the form of pellets and crumble
that can be purchased at a feed store.
You can order duck food and straw for their bedding at agriculture and supply
stores, such as Agway in Southington.
Things to Remember:
- The ducks are starving and desperately need your help this time of year.
- Straw is best kind of bedding to buy for ducks, as hay or grass can grow mold and give the ducks diseases.
- Purchasing healthy food specifically designed for ducks can save their lives. Never give them human food!
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