Duck and Chicken Feed

[AnneLovesChickens]

Hi everyone! I'm still new at this, and was looking for help. I have both chickens and ducks and was hoping to get a feed that suits them both. They're about 8 weeks now and I'm researching what I'll get them for adult food. It seems the research can be a bit confusing. Especially finding someone in my shoes- owning both breeds, not for eggs or meat, just because i really love birds and want them to live a long happy/healthy life. They are a mix on genders too. My questions are:
Do they still need oyster shell? /Will they become egg bound if they don't have hard eggs?
If they do, how do you keep the guys from eating it and calcium overdosing?
What's the healthiest food to feed them to share?

 

[PirateGirl]

I also have chickens and ducks, assorted ages, male and female. Oyster shell should be provided on the side and anyone who is actively laying will eat some as needed, others who may not be laying or are male tend to ignore it, somehow they just know and they don't overdose. Most major feed manufacturers make a feed that is suitable for all, it will be labeled as something like "all flock" or "flock raiser." There are several that are widely available. I would visit your local feed store and see what they carry. If they don't have an all flock feed available on the shelf, look at what brands they carry, they should be able to special order you the all flock feed from one of these brands to be delivered with their regular shipments. Here are the ones I commonly find around here...

https://www.nutrenaworld.com/produc...5R92N57Qe-xfw6M67iWQXK_JyxQWUrmAaAkK5EALw_wcB

https://www.nutrenaworld.com/cs/Sat...YwNmaqD0x-_aBxLvvzotbMzZxiycLO-0aApkoEALw_wcB

https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/detail/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles

 

[AnneLovesChickens]

I also have chickens and ducks, assorted ages, male and female. Oyster shell should be provided on the side and anyone who is actively laying will eat some as needed, others who may not be laying or are male tend to ignore it, somehow they just know and they don't overdose. Most major feed manufacturers make a feed that is suitable for all, it will be labeled as something like "all flock" or "flock raiser." There are several that are widely available. I would visit your local feed store and see what they carry. If they don't have an all flock feed available on the shelf, look at what brands they carry, they should be able to special order you the all flock feed from one of these brands to be delivered with their regular shipments. Here are the ones I commonly find around here...

https://www.nutrenaworld.com/produc...5R92N57Qe-xfw6M67iWQXK_JyxQWUrmAaAkK5EALw_wcB

https://www.nutrenaworld.com/cs/Satellite?c=CGL_Product_C&childpagename=NUTR/CGL_Product_C/NUTR/NUTR_Product/Detail&cid=1432078179642&pagename=NUTR_Wrapper&bvstate=pg:2/ct:r&gclid=Cj0KCQjwr-_tBRCMARIsAN413WTvzgmg3URzIp4h2IfklVXYwNmaqD0x-_aBxLvvzotbMzZxiycLO-0aApkoEALw_wcB

https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/detail/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles

THANK YOU! THAT IS VERY HELPFUL <3 You're the best

 

[PirateGirl]

Good luck with your flock! It's much easier once you find a food that everyone can eat year round!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

Purina Flock Raiser (crumbles, 20% protein) have worked really well for my mixed species, gender, and often age flock. I agree with Pirate girl, and also keep oyster shell available on the side.

It (FR) has enough protein and amino acids for chicks and enough niacin for ducks. Niacin is not listed on the tag as it isn't required by law as some nutrients are, but I called the company to confirm.

Don't buy the myth too much protein causes angel wing... that is MOST often caused by some sort of genetic predisposition AND in birds fed excess calories from ANY source be it protein, fat, or carbs.

The flock raiser is carried at 3 of my local stores and I can save as much as $3/bag by shopping around.

For what it's worth... I have not fed "layer" in years... I don't have issues with soft eggs, binding, or other things. Those are mostly hiccups or individual issues. Also since feathers are made from 90% protein and its' amino acids... it also helps my birds to have softer molts and recover quicker from molt (than before with layer).

 

[rosemarysugar]

Hi! I have a rooster in my flock and I know that he doesn't need all the calcium in layer feed so I use flock raiser. FLock raiser is for chickens, chicks, roosters, hens, ducks turkeys, etc. This link might help
https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/detail/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles

 

[AnneLovesChickens]

Hi! I have a rooster in my flock and I know that he doesn't need all the calcium in layer feed so I use flock raiser. FLock raiser is for chickens, chicks, roosters, hens, ducks turkeys, etc. This link might help
https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/products/detail/purina-flock-raiser-crumbles

Thank you so much! I saw that they sell that at my tractor supply and am going to pick it up

 

[rosemarysugar]

Thank you so much! I saw that they sell that at my tractor supply and am going to pick it up

I'm very glad I could help!

 

[AnneLovesChickens]

Hi there.

Purina Flock Raiser (crumbles, 20% protein) have worked really well for my mixed species, gender, and often age flock. I agree with Pirate girl, and also keep oyster shell available on the side.

It (FR) has enough protein and amino acids for chicks and enough niacin for ducks. Niacin is not listed on the tag as it isn't required by law as some nutrients are, but I called the company to confirm.

Don't buy the myth too much protein causes angel wing... that is MOST often caused by some sort of genetic predisposition AND in birds fed excess calories from ANY source be it protein, fat, or carbs.

The flock raiser is carried at 3 of my local stores and I can save as much as $3/bag by shopping around.

For what it's worth... I have not fed "layer" in years... I don't have issues with soft eggs, binding, or other things. Those are mostly hiccups or individual issues. Also since feathers are made from 90% protein and its' amino acids... it also helps my birds to have softer molts and recover quicker from molt (than before with layer).

WOW! That was a lot of useful knowledge lol... thank you!!! My birdies thank you too

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I use a flock raiser or all flock ration here too. I feed chickens, sucks, geese, and turkeys all the same which makes things easier. I provide a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs.