The best feeder for mallards
Tame park and pond ducks; feed sparingly and skip bread, which harms water quality and duck health.
Feeder styles that work
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What to fill it with
- Cracked corn
- Duck pellets
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Mallard measures 19.7–25.6 in and weighs 35.3–45.9 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for mallards?
Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What should I put in a feeder for mallards?
Cracked corn, Duck pellets.
Where should I place a feeder for mallards?
Tame park and pond ducks; feed sparingly and skip bread, which harms water quality and duck health.
Sources
- Mallard — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mallard life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mallard — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.