What to feed my baby pekin ducklings???

A little over a week ago I bought 4 baby pekin ducklings, not sure the age because the store had no clue, they said a couple weeks old. They also provided me with non-medicated chick starter, well thats what they say it is. Its called F-R-M 15% Layer Crumbles for Laying Chickens. It says and I quote " Feed from the time the 1st egg is laid throughout the time of egg production". It contains 15% protein. I am concerned that this isn't the correct food for my little ducklings. About 3 days ago I noticed that one of the ducklings was walking on its elbows with feet bowed. I posted this yesterday and was told that it is a niacin deficiency so I went to the store and bought some niacin and put some in their water. Its only been a day, but I just want to make sure there isn't something else I should be doing. Now I'm noticing that another duckling is starting to do the same thing, kinda hobble around. We called the store we bought them from and "they" said "they" haven't had any other complaints, but I'm not sure they know what they are doing. Any suggestions???? I AM VERY CONCERNED.....

It sounds like what they gave you is layer feed, not chick starter. Layer feeds don't have the specific concentrations of nutrients, amino acids, or levels of protein that starter does and those things are all essential for healthy babies. Additionally, layer feed will have extra calcium that your ducks don't need right now.

Sorry to hear about this! I recommend reposting this in the Ducks category to get more responses.

Even if the problem is the niacin deficiency, I strongly recommend getting a higher protein feed. I use Purina Flockraiser, which is non-medicated (though I believe they offer a medicated version), contains 20% protein, and is in a duck-friendly crumble form.

Anything with "layer" in the title has added calcium, which is great for laying hens but not good for chicks. I've heard it puts a strain on their developing organs to process the excess calcium.

Niacin should be "pharmacy grade" (for human use) to dissolve in water. I use one 100mg capsule broken and stirred into a gallon of water.

The Ducks category here on BYC is a great source of information, and I also recommend "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks" http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Ducks-Breeds/dp/158017258X

Good luck to you and your ducklings!

Bryan

We just switched them to Dumor Chick Start so hopefully that will help with their feet problem. We will continue to give them a little niacin in their water as well, I just hope its not too late.

Hi! Im doing research because I too am purchasing two baby ducklings! I just read that some feed stores will try to give you chicken feed for your ducklings. Someone claimed not to allow the ducks to be on chicken feed because some of the vitamins in the feed wont help your ducks (or be harmful) I hope your ducks are doing much better!!! You could also call Metzer Farms, Im buying my babies from there and they are VERY helpful!!I hope this helped!!!

poozer said:

Hi! Im doing research because I too am purchasing two baby ducklings! I just read that some feed stores will try to give you chicken feed for your ducklings. Someone claimed not to allow the ducks to be on chicken feed because some of the vitamins in the feed wont help your ducks (or be harmful) I hope your ducks are doing much better!!! You could also call Metzer Farms, Im buying my babies from there and they are VERY helpful!!I hope this helped!!!

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X2!! Metzer's is an awesome resource on ducks and what to feed them. I feed my 18% All Flock.