Do female ducks need layer feed?

[redhen]

And if so... what do you do with a mixed flock? Can the drakes eat it?
For my chickens i feed them all layer feed.. the roosters eat it too...
Also...can ducks eat pelleted feed? (will they choke?) or does it have to be crumbles?

 

[Amiga]

Well, layer feed is an option during laying season (for some, I know, that is year 'round). It has extra calcium, and probably protein and calories.

I understand that it is, in fact, a little tricky with a flock of drakes and duck hens, as too much calcium for the drakes is not healthy (too much calcium for any non-laying duck is not healthy, I am told).

One possible way to deal with this, and I make no guarantee, is to offer oyster shell free choice during laying season. Perhaps the drakes would have no interest in it. You could also supplement for calories and protein by offering extras in their food (there are a number of things that can add healthy calories and protein).

When I shifted my runners to grower / maintenance feed, they shifted from crumbles to small pellets. They do fine, and they need abundant water when the feed is available to them. They do sometimes grab a big mouthful and then make a higher pitched honking, dry cough kind of noise, then wander over to the waterer and wash it down.

 

[redhen]

Great, thanks so much for the help. I think i will go with the seperate oyster shell, like you said... then the females can free choose if they need it or not .. and so then i wont have to worry about my drakes...

 

[newchickmom09]

My female and male both eat layer crumbles or pellets what every I buy. It is fine for the males to eat the layer feed. I have a seperate feeder with oyster shell in it so my female and laying chickens can eat when they want it. The male doesn't even take a second look at the oyster shell.

 

[TracyLovesDucks]

My female and male both eat layer crumbles or pellets what every I buy. It is fine for the males to eat the layer feed. I have a seperate feeder with oyster shell in it so my female and laying chickens can eat when they want it. The male doesn't even take a second look at the oyster shell.

I see some time has passed since this post. I'm wondering, because a lot of people say that too much calcium is dangerous for drakes... and that layer feed has too much.

How are your drakes? Do you keep them long term or are they raised for meat?

 

[Jessica89]

I was feeding mine layers pellets until I read it's not good for the drakes so as Amiga mentioned above.. I scatter oyster shell and the female eat that. =]