What is difference between scratch and peck feeds vs regular chicken feed?

[Kiki]

Is layer good for ducks? I've never had them but one of the reasons I never used layer is because I have mixed sexes and ages plus I used to have guineas and turkeys in the mix as well.

Layer is fine for laying ducks.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Thanks, kikisgirls; I wasn't sure and didn't want her to end up with the wrong thing!

 

[happy duck]

Thanks, kikisgirls; I wasn't sure and didn't want her to end up with the wrong thing!

Thanks! I have read lots of places and it says it is ok for ducks to have layer!


Is flock raiser the same as grower or finisher?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Is flock raiser the same as grower or finisher?

Basically, Starter Grower only comes in a crumbles, All-Flock/Flock Raiser can sometimes be found in a Pellet.
Stay away from Grower/Finisher, the one I've seen is only 15% Protein.
I like a 18-20% for a Backyard Flock. GC

 

[happy duck]

Basically, Starter Grower only comes in a crumbles, All-Flock/Flock Raiser can sometimes be found in a Pellet.
Stay away from Grower/Finisher, the one I've seen is only 15% Protein.
I like a 18-20% for a Backyard Flock. GC

I just bought grower/finisher today! I have always used that!!! I also wanted to tell you guys about a question a asked on a organic food....they said not to give it to ducks cuz It was not formulated for ducks. I can just supplement with niacin and probiotics and it should be good right?

 

[racerchick55]

great thread! I just learned alot! And thank you all for the comparison chart links!

 

[raingarden]

The thing that bothers me about the whole grain scratch and peck stuff is the vitamins and minerals. In a crumble or pelleted feed the powdered vitamin and mineral pre-mix is incorporated into the feed. With the whole grain stuff all they can do is pour it on the surface. It may, or may not stick to the grain. What doesn't stick is left as dust in the bottom of the bag. If the vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions were not important then they wouldn't need to use them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The thing that bothers me about the whole grain scratch and peck stuff is the vitamins and minerals. In a crumble or pelleted feed the powdered vitamin and mineral pre-mix is incorporated into the feed. With the whole grain stuff all they can do is pour it on the surface. It may, or may not stick to the grain. What doesn't stick is left as dust in the bottom of the bag. If the vitamins and minerals in the correct proportions were not important then they wouldn't need to use them.

This is why it's best to ferment (or at least wet) the feed, to get everything to clump together so the birds eat everything. I get almost no waste, so the flock is definitely eating everything in the mix.

If the plan is strictly to dry feed, I would not recommend using a whole grain feed.