Do ducks need grit?

[itstartedwith2]

Hi I have had chickens for 3 years now and decided I would like to try my hand at 4 little ducks. My question is besides lots and lots of water do ducks need grit? Also I bought them at bomgaars and they said to feed them plain chick starter is that the best?

 

[Jessica89]

I provide it if they are in the enclosure .. when they are free ranging.. I don't bother.

I try to provide Oyster Shell for good egg production!

 

[Texas4T]

Hi I have had chickens for 3 years now and decided I would like to try my hand at 4 little ducks. My question is besides lots and lots of water do ducks need grit? Also I bought them at bomgaars and they said to feed them plain chick starter is that the best?

Hi! I am raising Ancona ducks. As for feed requirements, ducks need 2-3x more niacin in their diet than chicks and should be fed either a broiler or gamebird ration, or brewers yeast to meet that requirement. Also, ducklings need grit free choice as they grow. Only feed oyster shell to layers. And don't let them drown in their water. If they didnt hatch under a duck, they won't have oil to protect them until they are older. Dave Holderread wrote Story's Guide to Raising Ducks, a great resource if you don't have it. He is, IMHO, the waterfowl guru!

 

[itstartedwith2]

Thank you guys so much for the help!