Drakes only flock question

[goreybabe]

Hi everyone.
We have group of 3 Indian Runner drakes (6 months old) that free range in our backyard during the day. They forage a lot, but I also put out feed for them. The chickens eat their food as well. I was reading that it is okay for ducks to eat chicken feed if you supplement with Niacin for leg/bone development. (note: my guys are full grown, but I figure they still need the niacin.)

We feed our chickens with layer pellets (Poulin), and I was wondering if (a) supplementing with Brewers Yeast would be okay for the chickens or if it would be too much of certain nutrients for them and (b) if the fact that the ducks forage all day would cover the niacin issue?

Poulin lists the layer pellets as appropriate for adult ducks, but has a separate gamebird feed... which is what ducks fall under for most other brands of feed. Also, the analysis of the food doesn't list niacin, so I can't tell at all if the amount in the chicken feed is appropriate for ducks.

In the winter when there is less foraging, I'd definitely put out game bird feed for them. But for now, the chickens are eating way more of the duck food than the ducks. I hardly see the ducks eating their feed, in fact. They like to hang out by the compost and "flower garden" areas (better worms and bugs I guess).

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[rjohns39]

My birds share the same pasture, so once a week I'll put out about a cup of brewers yeast for the ducks. Sometimes the chickens and turkeys will get into it, most of the time not.

 

[CayugaJana]

My birds share the same pasture, so once a week I'll put out about a cup of brewers yeast for the ducks. Sometimes the chickens and turkeys will get into it, most of the time not.

I think that’s a good point. Once they are adults it’s more of a maintenance thing. Rather than worrying about it constantly while they are ducklings and growing.

 

[goreybabe]

No, I mix it 50% Finisher and then add oat and barley crumble and the scratch...I just scoop what I need daily into my pail...some days it might be 75% finisher?...still all healthy and happy...Ducks are easy...chickens more complex..

Ah! So easy! Thanks! I'm putting together some right now for them as a treat (and to try it out).

Yeah, I am trying to switch over entirely to ducks as our chickens age. My husband was reluctant, thus my converting him with the Indian Runner drakes. It didn't take long and he was totally onboard. He's even built them a small pond since they adore water (as you probably know, contrary to what most people seem to think, runners really do love to swim and play in the water!)

 

[chickens really]

Ah! So easy! Thanks! I'm putting together some right now for them as a treat (and to try it out).

Yeah, I am trying to switch over entirely to ducks as our chickens age. My husband was reluctant, thus my converting him with the Indian Runner drakes. It didn't take long and he was totally onboard. He's even built them a small pond since they adore water (as you probably know, contrary to what most people seem to think, runners really do love to swim and play in the water!)

Yes, I am getting out of Chickens myself as mine age too..Ducks are my passion....

 

[chickens really]

Here is what I feed and others here I know..
First my Ducks feed:
Duck finisher, Oat and Barley crumble and classic scratch grains ..
Some I know here use Turkey finisher
Ducks Require balance as do Chickens..
As for Chickens I feed a grower feed all year long and supply oyster shell in a separate bowl...

 

[CayugaJana]

Here are some options I can think of:
-Yes, sprinkling brewers yeast on the feed would be fine. But not %100 sure layer feed is good for your fellas. Look at calcium content in feed and then research to make sure it’s at an ok level for your fellas (and that’s just assuming you haven’t already done that, you know what happens when we assume )

-Feed the whole flock adult chicken feed with brewers yeast sprinkled in, and place another bowl of crushed calcium from the feed store for your birds that lay eggs (they instinctively will be attracted to it)

-Feed the whole flock adult chicken feed and place another bowl of crushed calcium from the feed store for your birds that lay eggs. Then add liquid poultry vitamins to their water.

-Or you could buy game bird feed for the ducks and chicken feed for the chickens. I know game bird feed isn’t available everywhere.(My game bird feed has a duck icon with various other birds indicating who it’s designed for)

Their foraging ability will really depend on your property and your seasons where you live. The more bugs they get, the more it will help make up for the difference in chicken feed. Hope that helps. And don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions.

 

[goreybabe]

Here are some options I can think of:
-Yes, sprinkling brewers yeast on the feed would be fine. But not %100 sure layer feed is good for your fellas. Look at calcium content in feed and then research to make sure it’s at an ok level for your fellas (and that’s just assuming you haven’t already done that, you know what happens when we assume )

-Feed the whole flock adult chicken feed with brewers yeast sprinkled in, and place another bowl of crushed calcium from the feed store for your birds that lay eggs (they instinctively will be attracted to it)

I was worried about the calcium content when the feed store suggested the layer (we had them on grower/finisher up and are just about to run out. But the chickens devour most of it anyway. Hence, my thinking about switching to chicken feed.)

I like the idea of avoiding layer feed while the flocks mingle & forage. We offer crushed oyster and crushed egg shells for calcium anyway, so if we do this and add yeast to a non-layer adult (perhaps all-flock if I can find it) feed, and supplement the waterers, that could totally solve my problem and give both ducks and chickens what they need!

Thank you -- I hadn't even thought of the waterers.

 

[CayugaJana]

No problem! We all want the best for our critters, with the budget we have, and with what time we have to devote!

If you have a fuss free way you recycle your eggs shells, let me know! I’ve been wracking my brain on how to do it.

 

[goreybabe]

No problem! We all want the best for our critters, with the budget we have, and with what time we have to devote!

If you have a fuss free way you recycle your eggs shells, let me know! I’ve been wracking my brain on how to do it.

I don't know if you tried this yet, but we just collect the shells in a bowl or oven-safe dish near the sink (I use an 8x8 pyrex-type). Every other day or so, I pop the dish in a 350 degree oven for 10ish mins (usually when I'm cooking something anyway). It makes the shells easier to crush into tiny fragments, membrane and all. I use a potato masher -- my kids love to do this part. Seriously, if you haven't tried toasting the shells first, it is a game changer!

We used to mix them with the oyster shells, but my chickens seem to prefer the egg shells over the oyster shells, from what I've noticed at least. Now I just dump them in a little pile near their feed. We have had the same bag of oyster shell for ages, because the chickens are basically ignoring it and gobbling down the egg shells instead.

In the spring/summer, I often sprinkle the shell bits around the garden and flowers. I figure whatever the birds don't eat, either wild birds will eat or the plants will use as compost.