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- #11
I am based in the UK so the feed I have is Dodson and Horrell chick starter crumb, and it contains 19% protein.Less protein than what? PLEASE don't believe everything you read! Printing it doesn't make it true. Please find out, it should be printed in the guaranteed analysis, sometimes sewn on the bottom of the bag.
I disagree that ducklings need less protein and provided a link in my last post that very accurately shows nutritional need. By reducing protein your either increasing carbs or fat because that's the only 3 sources energy comes from. But your also changing the already formulated diet which means you're not only effecting protein but also vitamin and mineral content.. Please read the direction on the bag or post a pic of the bag.
Feathers are made up of 90% protein and it's amino acids.. that bird ain't feathered yet and as I stated previously angel wing is caused by FIRST mostly genetics and second excess ENERGY from any source.. meaning don'r feed excess treats like bread, meal worms and the like. I researched this extensively when I was getting ducks
Oats also have anti nutrients in them, and folks have reported issues with feeding them on here. Some chick starter's are already as low 18% protein.. with their being no exact number in place it ranges up to 22% for the term "starter".
If you are in the US feed is labeled by law with directions for the species and age it is appropriate for. and if it is a sole ration or should be supplemented with something else.
I had great results using Purina Flock Raiser... contains 55mg/kg of niacin per personal contact with the company.. (*Should* be enough for standard Pekin but jumbo Pekin need closer to 70mg/kg).
Just don't feed excess protein like in game bird or turkey feeds.
But it does look like some annoyed follicles or pin feathers trying to come in or something.. I can see what you are expressing concern about!
I wonder if @WVduckchick has any thoughts here? TIA
ETA: Happy hatching!
She doesn’t really have many treats, but does like to free range in the garden where she eats slugs, and probably other bugs.