Baby Ducks: Do they require a different feed?

[Minnowey]

I am planning on getting three Swedish Blues this spring. I feed my chicks chick grit and am wondering if ducklings can eat that. Do they need it? Also, I am not sure if ducklings require a different feed than chicks. My Muscovy ducklings seem to do fine with the chick feed, but they have mothers and live outside from birth. Thanks in advance-Minnowey

 

[Ren2014]

Un-medicated chick starter is fine for ducklings. Ducks need extra Niacin so if the chick starter doesn't mention ducks, you should give supplemental Niacin. Chick grit is also fine for ducklings.

He's a thread mentioning Niacin dosing https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1147803/duck-experts-needed

 

[Minnowey]

Thanks.

 

[Ren2014]

Be sure to check out this sticky on raising ducklings
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[Duck Drover]

We feed wet (mash) Flock Raiser crumbles to ducklings. If you feed dry feed they will try to wet it down themselves in order to swallow it without choking so it is less mess if you wet it for them. As they grow they move to dry crumbles and then dry pellets. Flock Raiser is a complete feed that meets the nutritional requirements of ducks at all ages.

 

[chickens really]

I feed Duck starter and make it into a warm soupy mess....Not sure why in the US you can not buy Duck feed....IF hatcheries sell Ducklings? Why can they not help with locating the Duck feed?
Just something I often wonder about......?


Best of luck with the Ducklings.....


Cheers!