Call Duck feed program! Please help!

[Duck/GooseCRAZY]

I have a HUGE problem. I live in central Louisiana and am having a hard time finding a feed store with the correct amount of protein. I have read at several different websites that raise call ducks and their feed program calls for 18- 20% starter non medicated (which I have access to that) but, then when they are 3 weeks old they switch them to a 16% grower. The feed stores around here carry 18% grower, do you think that will make that much of a difference? I have read where too much protein will cause deformities. Any advice?

 

[Katy]

I raise my call ducklings on purina medicated Start & Grow and then switch them over to Purina Flockraiser when they go in with the adults. They've always done well on it.

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

Quote:
you can cut the protein with cracked corn if you need to. It will give your whites a yellow cast to their feathers.

 

[Duck/GooseCRAZY]

that's great news! My local co-op can get that. Just didn't know if that extra 2% would be a big deal. They are so hard to hatch. I hate to lose them on the wrong feed program! thanks for the info

 

[Duck/GooseCRAZY]

do I feed free choice cracked corn or feed a certain amount? and were you talking about the white calls get yellow on their feathers? is that from too much protein?

 

[miss_jayne]

use seed wheat instead of cracked corn to cut the protein. it will not yellow the feathers. it's excellent feed alternative for breaking the protein amount and it also will plant into the ground!

 

[Duck/GooseCRAZY]

thank you guys SOOO much for the information. I really appreciate it! .....gotta LOVE BYC!!

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

Quote:
wheat is better to use like a previous poster said...but the problem with the wheat is the ducks eat around it. We do add it to our feed but just a small amount because most gets wasted. The yellow in the corn will cause the feathers to turn yellow, nothing to do with the protein level. just mix it all together in a feed bowl. Talk to your feed store, most will special order for you. We get our grower from TSC and a local feed store special orders some of our other feed.