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Health & Fitness

Angel Wing And Waterfowl

We see the signs often, “Please Do Not Feed Birds/Ducks/Geese/Waterfowl”.

Have you ever wondered why these signs are posted?

Humans often believe they are behaving humanely when they feed waterfowl, but the definition of the word “humane” is different for our pets than it is for wildlife.

When we are humane to our pets we provide food, water, grooming, veterinary care, attention, walks and exercise.

The definition of “humane” as it pertains to wildlife is that we show consideration for wildlife, and most importantly, that we allow our wild neighbors to exist in their natural habitat without human intervention.

Why is it harmful for humans to feed waterfowl?


Nutritional Requirements – The diet for waterfowl includes a variety of nutrients including aquatic plants, natural grains, and invertebrates. Popcorn, bread, and other carbs are usually low in proteins and not healthy for waterfowl. One unhealthy result of humans feeding wild water birds is a condition known as Angel Wing.  

Angel Wing is a condition visible in waterfowl when the last joint of a bird’s wing protrudes at a lateral angle instead of lying flat against the body of the bird. Most often the condition is attributed to a dietary deficiency, although there have been instances where it has occurred due to genetics or injury. In older birds this is an incurable condition.

An adult bird in the wild with Angel Wing will eventually die because it has lost its ability to fly – and can no longer migrate, fly to a new location in search of food, or escape predators.
In very young birds, if treated in time, the condition has successfully been reversed.

Often people feel that they are just one person feeding the birds. However, when one person leaves, there is always someone else to take that person’s place…contributing to the never ending supply of French Fries and bread!

There are other reasons why we should not feed wild water birds.

Competition
– When food is scattered, waterfowl must forage. When the food is located in a central location, young waterfowl may not be quick or strong enough to get to the food before the bigger birds.

Delayed migration
– Knowing there is a food source, waterfowl may delay or opt not to migrate. Many of these birds are unable to survive a winter in the colder climates, and an early cold snap could kill them.

Adverse population effects
– Overcrowding is a known cause for disease. Scattered bread and popcorn in a specific feeding area becomes a place where the birds eat and defecate. This is a perfect scenario for advancing disease! In addition, waterfowl will become complacent around humans, creating an unsafe environment – and a large population of waterfowl will draw predators.

Water pollution
– The more they eat, the more they defecate! When waterfowl reside in unnaturally large numbers in one place for long periods of time, it can have an affect on the delicate ecosystems found in ponds, lakes and other small bodies of water.

Costly management efforts
– Waterfowl, present in great numbers can be a nuisance. The problem created by humans now becomes a problem for humans! The investment of time and money necessary to eliminate the feces of large populations of waterfowl congregated in a single location – parks, ball fields and golf courses, can be very costly.  

When enjoying the outdoors, please remember to admire our wildlife from a distance. 

If you see wildlife in distress, contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.



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