Feeding Ducks and Geese Can Do More Harm Than Good

Published on September 02, 2025

It’s easy to see why feeding ducks, geese, or other waterfowl feels like a fun way to connect with nature. Many people enjoy it as a relaxing pastime or a family tradition. But what may seem like a simple, kind gesture can actually lead to serious problems for the birds, the environment, and even the people who enjoy our parks.

Here’s why it’s best to let ducks be ducks:

• Bread and other human food aren’t good for birds: Waterfowl need very specific nutrients, and foods like bread, chips, and crackers can cause long-term health issues.
• Feeding keeps birds from migrating like they should: Many ducks and geese are naturally migratory. When they find an easy food source, they often stay in one place, even when the weather turns cold. This can lead to food shortages and exposure to harsh elements they’re not built to withstand.
• Uneaten food and excess waste harm water quality: Leftover food breaks down in the water, feeding algae and bacteria that can make the pond unhealthy for both wildlife and people. Large groups of waterfowl also produce high volumes of waste, which degrades water quality and spreads disease.
• Feeding can attract rats and other nuisance animals: Excess food doesn’t just draw birds, it can also attract rodents and other scavengers that carry disease and create messes in surrounding landscaping.

We know it can be hard to walk past without tossing a few crumbs, but the healthiest, most respectful way to enjoy Addison’s ponds and parks is by observing wildlife from a distance and letting them find food on their own.

If you love seeing ducks in the community (we do too!), thank you for helping protect their health and habitat by choosing not to feed them.

For more info or questions about waterfowl or wildlife in Addison, contact Animal Services at 972-450-2845 or animalservices@addisontx.gov.