adult duck diets

[jrobertson]

i was wondering if anyone could tell me when it is time to stop feeding starter and grower and change over to a maintenance feed for ducks. i've had a few develop small wing issues and i think its from being on the starter/grower too long. also, i've always mixed my own grains for my birds but it doesn't seem the drakes can handle the extra calcium from the laying pellets. so i will offer the hens oyster shell free choice during the laying season. my question is if i dont have a feed store locally that carries a strictly waterfowl feed, then what am i to do? i can buy whole grains. i just want to know really what is a balanced diet for young ducks coming off grower and a maintenance feed for fully grown ducks. i have ducks and ducklings of all ages and i want to get the exact recipe. thanks. also if you can list percentages to look for and/or name brands.
Jared

 

[chasing ducks]

Check out Storey's Guide to raising Ducks, theres exact recipes toward the back, I think you can access some of the book online.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
From Starter to Grower at 2 weeks. Grower until fully grown (usually 10-12 weeks) Believe me the drakes can handle the extra calcium just fine, but offer the oyster shell to the females because their need varies. Try this recipe table http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/modpo/visuals/e1260t2.html
Others can fe found by the use of a internet search like google.

 

[OmaBird]

I wish I could mix my own. I thought it would be cheaer. I did it wants but where I live by the time I bought everything and mixed it up, I was paying $45 for 50 lbs. My waterfowl feed is $29. for 50 lbs of maintance and $22 for 20 lbs of starter. I guess food is just expensive.

 

[vlapinta]

Wow Omabird that seems expensive to me. I just bought a 50 lb bag of Nutrena grower and it cost me $14.50! The starter crumbles were slightly higher for a 50 lb bag, maybe @ $16.00

Vicki

 

[katharinad]

Paid 13.50 for a 50 pound bag of Nutrena Grower feed in Oregon.
Katharina