DIY Duck treats/suet cakes

[JillZaHulk]

I stopped at Walmart this morning to grab the goats a bag of feed and thought it would be fun to get the ducks a different bag of scratch grains and make them some treats. So I want to mix the scratch grains and some extra mealworms together, and maybe some chia since we've got a bunch right now. But I wasn't really thinking of a binder took a while after getting home.. is it ok to use butter flavored Crisco shortening? I also believe I have a little Palm oil shortening left. But if not enough is the Crisco ok?

Also, our ducks have never had "grit" tho they've always been allowed to forage and we haven't seen any digestive issues. I did pick up a bag of grit because that's something I'd like them to have available. Do I mix it right into their food or sprinkle it like scratch or put it in its own dish?? Also should I mix some grit into the suet treats?

Thank you for any and all suggestions

 

[CindyinSD]

Crisco is a chemically altered (partially hydrogenated) fat. I really wouldn’t give it to anyone including my birds. It’s documented dangerous to your heart. You could use peanut butter. Ideally without sugar, but in a treat, I’m not sure that’s a huge big deal. You could use coconut oil or real butter or rendered animal fat (warmed if it’s too stiff to mix in).

 

[FortCluck]

Peanut butter and coconut oil are pretty healthy, but make sure the peanut butter is peanuts only just so it's healthier. You can use duck fat too. I personally would use unrefined organic coconut oil or duck fat just because that's what we have onhand usually.

I don't share my peanut butter with the animals

 

[JillZaHulk]

This is our other option. We don't have dairy butter. Too many allergies in our house. We do also have some Adams peanut butter with the oil on top.

 

[Ratchnick]

Crisco won't kill you or your birds. That does not mean it's good for you but these days everything causes cancer.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Before trying the peanut butter or any other fat as "binder", make sure that your ducks like it! - My ducks do not like Peanuts at all! They looked at me as if i was trying to poison them. And anything fatty is rejected too. - Though i have not tried fatty meal-worms…
You can also use corn-starch or flour with water to create a paste that will hold everything together.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Crisco won't kill you or your birds. That does not mean it's good for you but these days everything causes cancer.

Even Ducks? - Do ducks cause cancer?

 

[Ratchnick]

For sure eating ducks or eggs causes cancer! Don't believe me, just go ask a vegan. Lol

 

[JillZaHulk]

Mine love meal worms. I usually drop a few in their water each night as a goodnight once they're in for the night before I leave the barn. I'll take some peanut butter out there now and see how they react to it. They seem to be crazy about most treats or foods in general. But ya never know the one time I make a batch of treats like this they might decide to hate it lol

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

For sure eating ducks or eggs causes cancer! Don't believe me, just go ask a vegan. Lol

Don't tell me about veganists!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-sell-duck-eggs.1323585/page-14#post-21716072