Does duck need grains?

[ritansean]

I’ve been thinking to have some ducks added to my farm this year, never had them before. I’m planning to grow my own feed for them if possible, ie water plants and insects. What else do I need to add to their diet? Is grains required for ducks? Would appreciate some advice.

Thanks!

 

[Fluffyflufffluff]

As omnivorous birds, ducks are going to eat many different foods, and the best food they can offer is: cracked corn. Wheat, barley, or the like.

 

[Isaac 0]

Welcome to BYC! @ritansean

I would recommend feeding them an All flock feed/Raiser or Duck Feed, Grains are not going to give them all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy, Grains are ok as treats but are not meant for a sole ration diet.

Along with providing feed, ducks should have some sort of grit and oyster shells available at all times. Looking forward to some pictures of your ducks!

 

[ritansean]

Welcome to BYC! @ritansean

I would recommend feeding them an All flock feed/Raiser or Duck Feed, Grains are not going to give them all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy, Grains are ok as treats but are not meant for a sole ration diet.

Along with providing feed, ducks should have some sort of grit and oyster shells available at all times. Looking forward to some pictures of your ducks!

Thanks for the advice! I guess my question is more like how feasible is it to avoid commercial feed and use my own feed? I currently have a grub production system that can produce enough to feed several ducks. It is high in protein and fat, also provides some calcium and minerals that they need. I’ll also have enough greens to support their diet. I do now grow grain so I’ll probably buy some for them as treats. Will this be a nutritional diet to make them healthy?