winter forage???

[insanity]

Is grass hay ok for ducks in the winter? I am getting 30 bales of last years "good" grass hay (to old for horses) I will be using it as bedding in the chicken coop. Could I also use it as forage for my muscovy? Its a little dusty but not bad.

 

[Amiga]

Hard to say. I think of ducks as being somewhat sensitive to dust, and anything that gets moldy. I have read of people feeding a little bit of lucerne (alfalfa) as a treat in winter. But then others don't think that's a great idea.

Have you considered fermented feed or sprouted fodder?

 

[Going Quackers]

I'd watch the dust level and possibility of mold spores, ducks have pretty sensitive respiratory systems, i agree with Amiga fodder and sprouts are a good option. I usually get some Romaine lettuce for mine during the long winter, i have read of sprouting sunflower seeds(boss, so black oil)

Mine winter pretty good, they can forage through a pretty good depth of snow, fortunately ducks have strong instincts to do so and if allowed to foster that skill.

 

[insanity]

I read they were good at shifting for themselves. Last week we got 4 inches overnight and my little guys would NOT out. Even after I shoveled and the chickens went out. They just looked at it like "What is this cold stuff? Lets stay in and watch TV" Maybe the older girls I am picking up tonight will teach them.

Thanks, I'll just use it as bedding in the coop and find something else for snack time.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I read they were good at shifting for themselves. Last week we got 4 inches overnight and my little guys would NOT out. Even after I shoveled and the chickens went out. They just looked at it like "What is this cold stuff? Lets stay in and watch TV" Maybe the older girls I am picking up tonight will teach them.

Thanks, I'll just use it as bedding in the coop and find something else for snack time.

I am going to by timothy hay for my geese for winter since there won't be much grazing going on here, My ducks chomped on it too as did the chickens.