Vending machine for ducks to tackle bread feeding

A special vending machine for feeding ducks appropriate food has been installed in a park after complaints the birds are becoming ill due to people feeding them bread.
It follows a request from volunteers at Burrs Country Park in Bury, Greater Manchester, who have reminded people that bread is bad for ducks' health and the quality of their water.
The new solar-powered machine, supplied by the Feed The Ducks Initiative, offers £1 portions of healthier alternatives such as barley, oats, peas and chopped lettuce.
Bury councillor Alan Quinn said the council was "delighted" to support the scheme, adding: "Don't let it be said that we duck the big decisions."
"Everyone likes to feed the ducks and this initiative will help ensure that the birds are getting a healthy diet," he said.
The national Feed The Ducks Initiative has been working with local authorities across the country to install the vending machines in a push to reduce bread feeding.

It has pledged to maintain and replenish them with necessary foods.
Users can pay £1 to dispense a handful of duck food, with 90% of costs going towards the initiative's running costs and the remainder going to the Friends of Burrs Country Park group to help fund events and park maintenance.
A sign on the machine states: "Bread makes ducks ill and does not contain the right nutrition or calories that they need to grow or keep warm.
"Rotting bread pollutes the water and cause nasty surface algae, which kills wildlife and gives ducks diseases."
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