Can chickens eat duck/geese feed?

[Liz2]

We have 16 chickens and 4 ducks that are all eating the chicken layer feed, all healthy and happy. Well this weekend we got more ducks from a family member and also 2 bags of Duck/Geese/gamebird feed. I was thinking about mixing that feed with the layer feed half and half but am not sure if the chicken still can eat it!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes you can feed all types of feed to chickens. The ducks and geese probably don't need the extra calcium in the layer, but feeding it for a short while should be okay.

If you wish to feed just one feed eventually I recommend a flock raiser or all flock. Make sure you offer a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs.

 

[sbowling429]

If you use an all flock feed and have oyster shells is that all you need to feed chickens an ducks together?

 

[Mtnboomer]

When we had ducks and chickens they all ate standard 16% chicken feed without issue.
Don't give medicated chick feed to ducks though.

 

[LtDanFan]

Sorry to revive the old thread, but i just got ducklings and they are currently housed with my newly hatched chicks. Why should the ducklings not be fed medicated feed?

 

[Thatcrazyteacher]

We have 16 chickens and 4 ducks that are all eating the chicken layer feed, all healthy and happy. Well this weekend we got more ducks from a family member and also 2 bags of Duck/Geese/gamebird feed. I was thinking about mixing that feed with the layer feed half and half but am not sure if the chicken still can eat it!

Yes, chickens and ducks can share the same feed - with some caveats.
First, chicken feed does not contain enough niacin & lysine to prevent health & skeletal issues (especially foot & leg deformities) in ducks. You will need to find a way to supplement the ducks' diet; a waterfowl specific vitamin supplement &. yeast can help balance out what is missing.
Commercial chicken feed is higher in protein because chickens (especially layer breeds) require more protein to keep their organs functioning properly. The higher protein content can tax ducks' systems and cause excessive muscle growth, putting a strain on their skeletal system.
Chickens should be given additional calcium sources such as oyster shell to supplement what is missing in the duck feed. Grit should be offered to prevent vitamin toxicity.
Finally, chicken feed should *never* be given to ducklings, just as duck feed should *never* be given to chicks. The nutritional needs of hatchlings and young/developing birds cannot be adequately addressed or balanced when using a food that is not specially designed for their needs.