Best feed ducklings (16% protein or less)

[Danibogardus]

Hey, everyone! I’m new to raising ducks and am looking for recommendations on the best food to feed them. I have three ducks between 3 and 4 weeks old. One is a Pekin and the other two are Rouens. The food the employee at Big R recommended is Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles. I’ve discovered this particular feed has 20% protein and I’m looking for one that’s lower to prevent angel wing. I’m willing to buy organic, just wanting to find the best possible nutrition for my little buddies. Thanks in advance!

 

[Pyxis]

20% protein is perfectly fine I feed mine a feed that has 22% protein and have never had trouble with it, and never had a single case of angel wing.

What seems to cause angel wing is access to very high protein, high energy feed, such as turkey starter feed with protein exceeding 25%, that then causes unnaturally rapid growth in ducklings. Also, overeating plays a role, when the ducklings are eating more feed than they really need. So it's more a combined cause of both feed that's very high in protein, and overeating, which when combined cause the ducklings to grow so fast the weight of their wings outpaces the strength of the wings and the wing can't properly support itself.

So all that said, the feed you have should be fine. You don't want anything that's 16% or less protein, because that's not enough. They do need protein to fuel their growth. You just don't want them to be getting way too much.

What's also interesting is that males are more likely to get it, and it's more likely to be in the left wing. Some studies seem to show it's genetic, and then others show it's not. So what causes it is a little up in the air, and there are probably a lot of factors at play.

Here's a small article on angel wing and its causes: http://www.metzerfarms.com/AngelWing.cfm

 

[PirateGirl]

There's a lot of controversy and speculation as to what actually causes angel wing and unfortunately I don't think there is a straightforward answer. I also would recommend feeding Flock Raiser crumbles.

 

[casportpony]

The food the employee at Big R recommended is Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles. I’ve discovered this particular feed has 20% protein and I’m looking for one that’s lower to prevent angel wing.

The Purina Flock Raiser will be fine.

 

[Fluffnut]

With ducklings you can just feed 20% protein chick feed and add a niacin supplement.

 

[The Phantom]

I feed my baby swans all flock feed. I think it’s like 18% protein.