Please don’t feed bread to our ducks in Christchurch Park!

That was the message today from Ipswich Borough Council’s Wildlife Rangers because bread causes problems for the thriving duck population.

Ducks breed only when there is enough food and in milder weather – but could lay eggs at this time of year if bread is available. That leads to unnatural laying patterns and the probable death of any ducklings hatched during icy weather.

Ranger Joe Underwood explained: “Female ducks should not breed at this time of year but giving them bread is like having three takeaways every day! Too much bread also reduces the water quality in ponds and encourages rats.”