Decreasing protein levels?

[Going Quackers]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm planning to let these guys free range during the day when they get older as well. I'm glad to hear from folks that maybe it's not quite as crucial as I had thought.

It's a grey area issue, i too have had the concerns and watched my birds like hawks lol but i have come to realize so many variables and things that you may not be able to control. I prefer not to go hog wild with super high protein diets, but there is a balance with it and i do think the birds being able to find their own feeds helps somewhat, even my calls are on the ground but don't free range due to predator concerns.

 

[willowbirdks]

I live in Louisiana....I have more problems with angel wing in second clutches.... because of the heat they tend to be less active..... if I have the time and can chase them around... no angel wing....can not exercise them....I are angel wing....Gil's paper says it is genetic....bit growth rate is genetic....select for slower growth and you will see less angel wing.....

Clint

Thank you for all of the advice and tips. I really had not considered activity level at all in regards to all of this. I'm in Maine, so our climate is pretty different than yours, but it's really helpful to know going forward... If this all works out well and we enjoy raising ducks, I could definitely see it becoming a regular thing for us. Factoring in activity level will also be on the radar screen now.e

 

[rebcart1905]

Nope no sign at all, all seem active and everyone is feathering out beautifully so far....I have 8 in a larger wire dog crate converted to brooder, I let them wander around the pole shed/yard when we're not hovering around freezing....which has been most of the week still! yuck...so sadly they've been cooped up more than not...

 

[willowbirdks]

Nope no sign at all, all seem active and everyone is feathering out beautifully so far....I have 8 in a larger wire dog crate converted to brooder, I let them wander around the pole shed/yard when we're not hovering around freezing....which has been most of the week still! yuck...so sadly they've been cooped up more than not...

Mine haven't been outside at all because it's been so cold still... I feel like Mother Nature might have missed the memo that it's spring!

Thanks for letting me know what you're doing and how it's working. This thread has been so helpful in terms of calming my worries about getting the feed exactly right. I'm going to do my best to give them the best start, but maybe I'll be able to relax my paranoia a little bit...

Glad to hear yours are doing so well!

 

[rebcart1905]

I know this weather stinks! Im sure yours will be fine, just be watchful and once it warms up and they get a little older, getting outside more will help with there overall health and diet im sure Mine love to just shovel in the black dirt right outside the barn doors....wish I could be satisfied with a good ole mouthful of dirt!