Can duckings eat chick starter/grower?

[CastleCoop]

Our ducklings are going to hatch soon, and I was wondering if they could eat chick starter since we have a lot left from our previous batch of chicks. I didnt want to go out and buy some if there was already stuff they could eat here. Thanks!

 

[TomCahalan]

Yes, but they will suffer from severe niacin deficiency unless you supplement.

 

[CastleCoop]

Yes, but they will suffer from severe niacin deficiency unless you supplement.

Alright, what kind of duck starter would you recommend?

 

[Kabootar]

Only non medicated chick starter supplemented with Brewer's Yeast.

 

[Isaac 0]

Our ducklings are going to hatch soon, and I was wondering if they could eat chick starter since we have a lot left from our previous batch of chicks. I didnt want to go out and buy some if there was already stuff they could eat here. Thanks!

No, chick starter is formulated for chicks, not ducklings, therefore it lacks certain essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for ducklings, one major vitamin, would be niacin (B3)

Alright, what kind of duck starter would you recommend?

Purina Flock Rasier, All Flock Feed (Nutrena), Manna Pro Duck Starter, or Mazuri are all great brands.

Only non medicated chick starter supplemented with Brewer's Yeast.

An addition of BY to the chick feed *probably* wouldn't be enough.

 

[tielie135]

i have been using chick starter with a lower % i just put them outside on the grass when it is nice. never supplemented, and have never had any problem.

 

[Isaac 0]

i have been using chick starter with a lower % i just put them outside on the grass when it is nice. never supplemented, and have never had any problem.

What breed are you raising?

Most chick starters contain around 35mg of niacin per kilo, and lightweight and medium weight duck breeds need around 55mg of niacin per kilo, heavyweight breeds should have around 70mg of niacin per kilo of feed.

You're just getting lucky.

You should really switch to a feed *intended* for ducks, you're not providing them with a sufficient amount of niacin in their diet.

 

[Kabootar]

i have been using chick starter with a lower % i just put them outside on the grass when it is nice. never supplemented, and have never had any problem.

Well, I must disagree. I have seen so many cases of angel wings in waterfowl due to niacin deficiency. I am sure you can find many on BYC itself.

 

[Kabootar]

No, chick starter is formulated for chicks, not ducklings, therefore it lacks certain essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for ducklings, one major vitamin, would be niacin (B3)



Purina Flock Rasier, All Flock Feed (Nutrena), Manna Pro Duck Starter, or Mazuri are all great brands.




An addition of BY to the chick feed *probably* wouldn't be enough.

I haven't noticed any type of deficiency in ducklings with chick starter supplemented with Brewer's Yeast. However I must admit that I have never hatched or bought ducklings. All the ducklings and goslings I have ever had were hatched by ducks, mostly muscovies.

 

[tielie135]

What breed are you raising?

Most chick starters contain around 35mg of niacin per kilo, and lightweight and medium weight duck breeds need around 55mg of niacin per kilo, heavyweight breeds should have around 70mg of niacin per kilo of feed.

You're just getting lucky.

You should really switch to a feed *intended* for ducks, you're not providing them with a sufficient amount of niacin in their diet.

Well, I must disagree. I have seen so many cases of angel wings in waterfowl due to niacin deficiency. I am sure you can find many on BYC itself.

i breed welsh harlequins, have raised up many batches to adults and have never lost one once hatched. had over 50 this year so i dont think it is just luck.
also, i have never had angel wings in my flock or any other deformity.