Can baby ducks and geese eat chicken starter feed?

[Bullitt]

This may have been asked before.

Can baby ducks and geese eat chicken starter feed?

If not, what should they eat?

 

[mlm Mike]

My understanding is they can, but then you need to supplement with niacin.

 

[mlm Mike]

Here is a thread I was reading the other day about duck feed.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/631805/duckling-feed#post_8458426

 

[Bullitt]

From that thread, it seems it is alright to feed ducks and geese chick starter for the first two weeks, then the feed should have less protein. It seems they can get niacin from greens, such as lettuce.

At what age can ducks and geese be let out of the brooder to forage for food in and around water?

 

[mlm Mike]

From that thread, it seems it is alright to feed ducks and geese chick starter for the first two weeks, then the feed should have less protein. It seems they can get niacin from greens, such as lettuce.

At what age can ducks and geese be let out of the brooder to forage for food in and around water?

My understanding is 2-3 weeks, but I'm in Ohio, it's colder here. I'm also just learning about ducks, we are getting some soon.

 

[Bullitt]

In three weeks it will be spring. So the weather should start warming up, even in Ohio.