CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The familiar scene of a family leisurely feeding ducks at Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe may soon become a thing of the past. The city is gearing up for a second reading of a bill that aims to ban the practice.
For years, residents and visitors alike have enjoyed the tradition of bringing loaves of bread to feed the ducks that populate the city park. However, concerns over the safety and well-being of the ducks have prompted city officials to act.
One of the primary reasons cited for the proposed ban is the low nutritional value of bread for ducks. Experts say bread lacks the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for a balanced diet in waterfowl, effectively providing them with what are essentially “empty calories.” There have also been efforts to remove migrating Canadian geese from the park.
Experts warn that the nutritional deficiency caused by bread can lead to a variety of health problems for waterfowl. This includes malnutrition, which can weaken their immune systems and make them more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, a diet high in bread has been linked to angel wing syndrome, a condition characterized by deformed wings in ducklings.
The debate over the proposed ban on feeding wildlife in Chillicothe will continue this week, with city officials and residents expected to weigh in on both sides of the issue.
Proponents of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect the health and well-being of the ducks, as well as to maintain the cleanliness and ecological balance of Yoctangee Park. However, some residents express concerns about the loss of a beloved pastime and the potential impact on the community’s connection to nature.
