Determining if ducks are getting enough to eat on pasture

[billw]

We have given the ducks access to a much larger foraging area and have cut back feed significantly as a result. We are now feeding them about 40% of the ration that they received when they were enclosed in a small yard most of the time.

They act very hungry. When we enter the yard, the ducks immediately head for their enclosure in hope of food, while previously they would only do that at meal times. We now only feed them in the evening.

However, they look healthy and alert, are still laying well, and spend about equal time foraging and lounging around.

This makes me think that they are probably getting enough.

But, short of tracking their weights, which I am not up for, are there other good indicators or warning signs that I should be aware of?

 

[Kevin565]

What types of plants are on the pasture? How many ducks? Approximately how large is the area?

 

[billw]

About an acre, divided into two paddocks. 20 ducks. One is just grass and weeds. The other is mostly perennial small fruit in rows (so, still basically grass and weeds for the ducks.)

At this time of year, there is a lot to eat - tons of slugs and bugs and huge amounts of tender greens coming up - and the area hasn't had any ducks in it before.

I don't expect that it will be able to provide half of their diet for long, thus the question. I'll need to adjust the amount of feed as conditions change, but it can be hard to tell just by looking at the ducks.

I should add that they also get a substantial pile of garden scraps most days.

 

[Miss Lydia]

About an acre, divided into two paddocks. 20 ducks. One is just grass and weeds. The other is mostly perennial small fruit in rows (so, still basically grass and weeds for the ducks.)

At this time of year, there is a lot to eat - tons of slugs and bugs and huge amounts of tender greens coming up - and the area hasn't had any ducks in it before.

I don't expect that it will be able to provide half of their diet for long, thus the question. I'll need to adjust the amount of feed as conditions change, but it can be hard to tell just by looking at the ducks.

I should add that they also get a substantial pile of garden scraps most days.

I'd say one good way of determining how your ducks are doing on the way your feeding now is by picking them up, check for weight and feel their keel if it's boney or they don't feel the right weight for the breed you have then they aren't getting enough to eat. feathers can fool ya, makes them look like a good weight but hands on tells the tale. maybe keep a note pad so you can keep up with what your doing month to month. It would be nice if our ducks could live on whats out there in nature with very little from us and some probably can, but then again you may have a few that need a little extra care, Your blessed to have such a place to keep them sounds ideal, we haven't seen any green grass yet.