Acorns, Yes or No?

Pics
Date sort Score sort
416bigbore

416bigbore

Ruffus and Big Boy
Jun 11, 2020
9,289
81,155
1,216
NC
We have large oaks trees and they just started dropping a few green acorns and I am wondering if I need to be worried or not about our ducks eating them? Some people say they are ok and other say no they are toxic. I am confused and starting to stress because these trees are very large and loaded with acorns. :he If I do end up with a sick duck, what do I need to have on hand so I can try to treat this ?

http://www.duckdvm.com/condition/ac...there is an,others develop signs of poisoning.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-ducks-are-eating-acorns.392833/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/are-acorns-ok-for-ducks.940521/
 
Wow... I read your links and understand why you are starting to feel stressed! I don't have any experience with acorn eating ducks, but I would be inclined to follow the advice from duckdvm vs anecdotal stories from here. It is more likely to be scientific, in my opinion.
 
KaleIAm said:
Wow... I read your links and understand why you are starting to feel stressed! I don't have any experience with acorn eating ducks, but I would be inclined to follow the advice from duckdvm vs anecdotal stories from here. It is more likely to be scientific, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
I agree there is very valid proof why not not to let your ducks eat acorns, so why are those who feel it's not an issue if they do? :confused:

I think the big leafs would make great bedding for them and they would love it, once again the leafs are not safe either if they decide to start eating on them.

Removing the trees isn't an option, maybe I will need to use some type of a commercial lawn vacuum cleaner in the hope it will pick up all the small acorns out of the grass. :barnie
 
Are they free-ranging or are you worried about acorns dropping in their run?

If its the latter, you could do a lightweight mesh netting over top the run to catch them and roll them off to the side.

If it's your whole property and they forage out there, I'd say keep any eye on them? Unless you do something to indicate a plant is food, animals (besides dogs because they're dumb and will eat anything) generally avoid stuff that will make them sick. the DVM link mentions this. If they've got stuff they do like that wont make them sick to eat available, they might just ignore the acorns entirely. If you do have a silly duck that thinks they're a good snack then you'll have to figure something else out for them, but if they're not gonna make an issue of it, then dont fix what aint broke
 
As, the Duck DVM link states, it is unlikely they will eat the acorns unless, one, they're starving to death, or two you're keeping them in a run full of acorns. Even that, I think it's still unlikely.

I have a northern pin oak on my property, in which the ducks frequently visit. For five years, I've never had a problem, and that's not to say you won't, but that's what my experience has been so far. Do you know what kind your oak is? Some have smaller acorns then others, a Bur oak, and red oak have larger acorns than a northern pin oak, for example. That is something that will contribute to whether they eat them or not.

My input is, as long as you don't see them eating the acorns, leave it be.

If you want a list of things you'll need in case of toxicosis, I'd be glad to share some of the stuff I have on hand.
 
LT71689 said:
Are they free-ranging or are you worried about acorns dropping in their run?

If its the latter, you could do a lightweight mesh netting over top the run to catch them and roll them off to the side.

If it's your whole property and they forage out there, I'd say keep any eye on them? Unless you do something to indicate a plant is food, animals (besides dogs because they're dumb and will eat anything) generally avoid stuff that will make them sick. the DVM link mentions this. If they've got stuff they do like that wont make them sick to eat available, they might just ignore the acorns entirely. If you do have a silly duck that thinks they're a good snack then you'll have to figure something else out for them, but if they're not gonna make an issue of it, then dont fix what aint broke
Click to expand...
Unfortunately the acorns will be everywhere except for what I have covered for them. No different then having to deal with all the wild mushrooms from all the moister we have been receiving, I remove them as soon as I see them starting to pop up. I might have to look into a lightweight mesh netting as you say and cover everything that's open just to be on the safe side. :)
 
They are all spoiled with a large variety of goody's to eat so hopefully acorns won't be at the top of their list to eat while out foraging.

That would be very much appreciated Doctor 0. Never hurts to have the stuff on hand and not need it, over panic mode trying to run the stuff down. Thank you. :)
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom