Bovatec not okay for ducklings? Please HELP

[Kanrayhen24]

Hi everyone, I have two ducklings about to hatch and I have some questions about the feed as previously 3 other ducklings died while on this feed and I'm wanting to know if it is the feed that caused this. I got feed from a farm shop they said it would be suitable for ducklings but I've found information online saying coccodiostats are toxic to ducklings and my feed contains bovatec which is a coccodiostat. Is this feed okay or do I need to find something else.

 

[Canadian Wind]

If you cannot get unmedicated feed get one with the highest protein you can and supplement niacin.

I know I've read and heard not to use medicated feed for ducks.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Bovatec is an Ionophore affecting the sodium pathway, causing it to accumulate inside cells at higher concentration than normal (causing some cells to burst - that's how it controls coccidia). I regret to admit I don't understand the chemistry of how it works well enough to offer an opinion on this one. If it was Amprolium (common coccidiastat here in the US) I'd say just offer extra thiamine to counteract it (which also neutralizes its properties as a coccidiastat.

I found some results for safely using Bovatec w/ broilers (but not laying hens) and turkeys, but NOT other game birds or any waterfowl.

 

[FrostRanger]

I don't know about the safety of that medication for ducklings, but I would switch to unmedicated feed anyways as I don't think medicated would benefit the ducklings in any case

 

[Kanrayhen24]

If you cannot get unmedicated feed get one with the highest protein you can and supplement niacin.

I know I've read and heard not to use medicated feed for ducks.

The store I went to today has some sort of meat feed that she said would be better for the ducklings but she didn't have any in stock so I'll have to go back and have a look. I did read from alot of different sources that medicated feed isn't good for ducks because they eat alot and tend to over medicate themselves. I feel so bad now for my other poor ducklings I got mealworms and grit for them to digest for now so hopefully that will be alright until I get the proper feed. The lady also said cabbage or lettuce finely chopped would be good.

 

[Kanrayhen24]

I don't know about the safety of that medication for ducklings, but I would switch to unmedicated feed anyways as I don't think medicated would benefit the ducklings in any case

Okay I'll try get the proper feed ASAP but for now I have mealworm and grit and was told to give them finely chopped lettuce and cabbage do you think this will be alright?

 

[Kanrayhen24]

Bovatec is an Ionophore affecting the sodium pathway, causing it to accumulate inside cells at higher concentration than normal (causing some cells to burst - that's how it controls coccidia). I regret to admit I don't understand the chemistry of how it works well enough to offer an opinion on this one. If it was Amprolium (common coccidiastat here in the US) I'd say just offer extra thiamine to counteract it (which also neutralizes its properties as a coccidiastat.

I found some results for safely using Bovatec w/ broilers (but not laying hens) and turkeys, but NOT other game birds or any waterfowl.

I read up about what it is and what it does and from what I've gathered I don't think ducklings need it because coccodiosis isn't common in ducks. It's only confusing because it says on the packaging that it is suitable for ducks I thought it would be perfect but upon further research the use of bovatec (a coccodiostat) is essentially toxic to ducklings. I hope other people don't make this mistake.

 

[Canadian Wind]

The store I went to today has some sort of meat feed that she said would be better for the ducklings but she didn't have any in stock so I'll have to go back and have a look. I did read from alot of different sources that medicated feed isn't good for ducks because they eat alot and tend to over medicate themselves. I feel so bad now for my other poor ducklings I got mealworms and grit for them to digest for now so hopefully that will be alright until I get the proper feed. The lady also said cabbage or lettuce finely chopped would be good.

Don't blame yourself for what happened; you were given the wrong information.

Other veggies are good too and go easy on the lettuce as a lot of the types are mostly water. Sprouted seeds and grains are also good.

Glad you figured it out!

 

[timdatoolman83]

Hi everyone, I have two ducklings about to hatch and I have some questions about the feed as previously 3 other ducklings died while on this feed and I'm wanting to know if it is the feed that caused this. I got feed from a farm shop they said it would be suitable for ducklings but I've found information online saying coccodiostats are toxic to ducklings and my feed contains bovatec which is a coccodiostat. Is this feed okay or do I need to find something else.

Sadly I too was recommended this 'Chick Starter Crumble' (containing Bovatec) for my duckling....and thanks to your posting, I now know what killed it...very sad... :`(

 

[timdatoolman83]

The store I went to today has some sort of meat feed that she said would be better for the ducklings but she didn't have any in stock so I'll have to go back and have a look. I did read from alot of different sources that medicated feed isn't good for ducks because they eat alot and tend to over medicate themselves. I feel so bad now for my other poor ducklings I got mealworms and grit for them to digest for now so hopefully that will be alright until I get the proper feed. The lady also said cabbage or lettuce finely chopped would be good.

Yeahh...I wish I had seen this post before giving the chick feed to my darling duckling...I feel so sad!! A few days back I rescued it from a cat's mouth, unscathed, then had planned to give it a full and satisfying life then this effing chick feed with Bovatec has screwed the whole thing up