EXPERTS have pleaded with the public not to feed bread to ducks in East Lancashire.

Although the activity is a traditional family favourite, it has ruffled the feathers of the Canal and River Trust, which said bread is harmful to ducks and pollutes the water.

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Moving up the pecking order instead should be natural treats such as oats, corn, or peas, the charity said.

Senior ecologist Becki Anderson said: “Bread is not great for a duck’s health as it’s nothing like their natural diet so don’t over feed them with large quantities of it.

“Please come and feed the ducks but do it sensibly so children and future generations can enjoy it too.

“The charity is asking the public to make a few simple changes.

“Try to vary what you give them and swap it for healthier, more natural treats.”

The trust’s call came ahead of spring and duckling hatching season.

Uneaten bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients, which sparks greater algae growth, spreads disease and encourages rats.

It can also lead to over-crowding as birds flock to feeding hotspots in search of their starchy treat.

Becki said: “Don’t follow the crowds, spread the love, and visit a new family of ducks to prevent large quantities of the starchy duck ‘junk food’ from clogging up the same places and potentially damaging the environment.”

Alan Wright from the Wildlife Trust North West said: “Bread is like feeding ducks and other birds fast food.

“There’s no nutritional value in it. They will build up fast and it leads to all sort of problems, including deformed chicks .”

The trust has created a free booklet with tips on foods to feed ducks, and activities for youngsters.

To receive one, along with a free ‘Quack Snack’ pouch to store healthier treats, send the word DUCK in a text message to 70060.

For details, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/duck