Slugs and snails are a natural part of a duck’s diet, providing a rich source of protein. This article outlines safe and effective methods to trap slugs and snails in your garden, ensuring they are chemical-free and safe to feed to your ducks.

Slugs and snails can be a nuisance in gardens, but they also make excellent food for ducks. Trapping them naturally ensures they are free from harmful chemicals, making them a safe and nutritious treat for your feathered friends. Here are some effective methods to trap these garden pests.

Natural Slug and Snail Traps

1. Beer Trap
   • Materials Needed: Shallow container (e.g., a yogurt cup or shallow dish), beer.
   • Instructions:
     1. Bury the container in the ground so that the rim is level with the soil surface.
     2. Fill the container with beer, which attracts slugs and snails.
     3. Check the trap daily and remove any captured slugs and snails.
   • Safety Tip: Ensure the container is deep enough to prevent ducks from drinking the beer.
     
2. Yeast and Sugar Trap
   • Materials Needed: Shallow container, water, sugar, yeast.
   • Instructions:
     1. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of yeast in 1 cup of water.
     2. Pour the mixture into the shallow container.
     3. Bury the container so that the rim is level with the soil surface.
     4. Check daily and remove any captured slugs and snails.
   • Safety Tip: Ensure the mixture is out of reach of ducks until you collect the slugs and snails.
     
3. Fruit and Vegetable Trap
   • Materials Needed: Pieces of fruits or vegetables (e.g., lettuce, cabbage, or citrus rinds), a shallow dish or plate.
   • Instructions:
     1. Place the fruit or vegetable pieces in the shallow dish.
     2. Set the dish in areas where slugs and snails are active.
     3. Check early in the morning and collect any slugs and snails that have gathered to feed.
   • Safety Tip: Remove the trap before letting ducks into the area to prevent them from eating the bait.
     
4. Moist Cardboard Trap
   • Materials Needed: Pieces of cardboard.
   • Instructions:
     1. Moisten the cardboard pieces and place them in areas where slugs and snails are active.
     2. Check underneath the cardboard early in the morning and collect any slugs and snails hiding there.
   • Safety Tip: Ensure that the cardboard does not get moldy or decomposed before use.
     
5. Upside-Down Pot Trap
   • Materials Needed: Clay pots, small stones or sticks.
   • Instructions:
     1. Prop up the pots on small stones or sticks to create a small entrance.
     2. Place the pots in shady, damp areas of the garden.
     3. Check under the pots in the morning and collect any slugs and snails hiding there.
   • Safety Tip: Avoid using pots treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Handling and Feeding

1. Collecting Safely: Always wear gloves when handling slugs and snails to avoid contact with mucus and potential parasites.
2. Storage: If not feeding immediately, store the slugs and snails in a container with air holes and a moist environment for up to 24 hours.

Plants and Habitats to Avoid

1. Pesticide-Free Zones: Ensure the trapping areas are free from pesticides and chemicals that could harm your ducks.
2. Avoid Contaminated Areas: Do not collect slugs and snails from areas where there may be contaminants, such as near roadsides or treated gardens.

Conclusion

Using natural traps to collect slugs and snails from your garden is an effective way to provide a nutritious and chemical-free treat for your ducks. By following these methods, you can manage garden pests while giving your ducks a protein-rich diet. Happy trapping and feeding!

References

• Gardener’s Path: Natural Ways to Control Slugs and Snails
• The Happy Chicken Coop: Feeding Ducks