Adult food

[EmilyP]

Our vet suggested we switch to a duck specific feed instead of the DuMOR layer pellets we have now. TSC does not carry anything specific for ducks. Any suggestions for feed?? I've looked on a few threads and mostly just found people making their own feed, which I don't have time or desire to do.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Purina Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side for the laying ducks... or try the Layer pellets... I prefer the Flock Raiser though, since it doesn't have the extra calcium added that the ducklings and drakes don't need... IMO, duMor is just not balanced enough for ducks... :/

 

[purslanegarden]

TSC may be around in many places but I also know of smaller feed store operations that are not chain stores. Maybe there is such a place near you. Otherwise, I even saw that you can order duck feed from online places.

Or alternatively, use chicken feed or flock feed that fits for the ducks at this stage in their life. That should be available at TSC as well as the independent feed stores. The exception is that as babies, ducklings should get nonmedicated chick feed if you go that route.

 

[farmkat55]

Boy, I found this feeding issue to be kind of frustrating! I have a pair, one of each...I have some layer crumbles she gets and some all flock from Bomgaars that he gets. I add some oyster shell to hers. BUT, I have to stand and watch them since they are so attached that the first day she wouldn't eat hers since they had their own bowls! It's a bit better now, but it's time consuming and he's much faster at eating than her. So, I heard I could feed them both an all flock type and just be sure she gets oyster shell. And of course both get grit.

Question...how do you watch weight and also keep the oyster shell from the drake if you free feed? I read that's what to do...food always in front of them and they will regulate themselves. True? That's easier, but how do I give her the oyster shell freely? These two are all I have right now and they are constantly together! I suspected I needed another duck..a female... but don't have one right now.

Thanks for any help!

Kathy in South Dakota

 

[Cherib603]

Flock raiser put out in one large bowl for the two of them and oyster shell in a separate bowl that she will nibble when she likes.

 

[farmkat55]

So, just let them eat whenever they want? How do I leave the oyster shell out for her to free feed but keep him out of it?? That is my dilemma cuz they love each other so, they are seldom apart!

Kathy in South Dakota

 

[Ravynscroft]

So, just let them eat whenever they want?  How do I leave the oyster shell out for her to free feed but keep him out of it??  That is my dilemma cuz they love each other so, they are seldom apart!

Kathy in South Dakota

He won't eat the oyster shell... he may nibble it to check it out at first, but he'll leave it alone after he tastes it... yes, I free feed all of mine and they regulate their weight just fine... most animals won't overeat if they know they can eat whenever they need to...

 

[Cherib603]

Don't stress about this.

The ducks know what to do.

 

[EmilyP]

My pekin is the only one who over eats but I think it's an illusion since he is so much bigger than the rest of the flock. I watched them eat for a few days and make sure I only put enough food out that they will eat and try not to give them "extra" but as everyone said before. They will regulate their food (not like gluttonous humans) and she will eat the oyster shells as she feels need for the calcium supplement.

 

[ebianc89]

i had mine on a TSC food but about 2 months ago i switched them to a brand called Scratch & Peck and they are doing great on it, I can't say enough good things about this food! You can get it through their website or Amazon sells it as well mine are on the egg layer free foo. d