Duck Feed - Layer vs Maintenance

[buzzville]

Hi all! Looking for advice on feed. I have a small flock of 3 - 1 drake (Pekin) and 2 hens (Welsh Harlequin & Rouen). I had the flock on Mazuri layer feed for some time, but then our drake started to have some joint issues. Based on things I read, I opted to switch them all to Mazuri Maintenance since we aren't really concerned with egg production (and I read some opinions that it might be easier on my hens to be on maintenance), and because I was concerned that my drake's joint issues might be a result of too much protein. They also get fresh veggies daily, black soldier fly larvae treats, and a bowl of oyster shell is always available. My Welsh Harlequin hen started a full molt about 1 month - maybe 5 weeks ago. She's completed her molt, but hasn't yet started laying again. I'm getting worried because she was pretty much an egg-a-day kind of girl. My Rouen is much more sporadic - she seems to lay when she damn well feels like it - lol. I need to order more feed, and I'm wondering if my Welsh is telling me that she needs layer feed to get back on track. It's also been warm, so that may be a factor? Curious what other folks think... maybe I shouldn't worry and just let her get back to laying when she's ready? But also worried that she may need an extra nutrient boost after that molt. She's about 3.5 years old. Thanks so much for your thoughts/recommendations!

 

[ruthhope]

Hi all! Looking for advice on feed. I have a small flock of 3 - 1 drake (Pekin) and 2 hens (Welsh Harlequin & Rouen). I had the flock on Mazuri layer feed for some time, but then our drake started to have some joint issues. Based on things I read, I opted to switch them all to Mazuri Maintenance since we aren't really concerned with egg production (and I read some opinions that it might be easier on my hens to be on maintenance), and because I was concerned that my drake's joint issues might be a result of too much protein. They also get fresh veggies daily, black soldier fly larvae treats, and a bowl of oyster shell is always available. My Welsh Harlequin hen started a full molt about 1 month - maybe 5 weeks ago. She's completed her molt, but hasn't yet started laying again. I'm getting worried because she was pretty much an egg-a-day kind of girl. My Rouen is much more sporadic - she seems to lay when she damn well feels like it - lol. I need to order more feed, and I'm wondering if my Welsh is telling me that she needs layer feed to get back on track. It's also been warm, so that may be a factor? Curious what other folks think... maybe I shouldn't worry and just let her get back to laying when she's ready? But also worried that she may need an extra nutrient boost after that molt. She's about 3.5 years old. Thanks so much for your thoughts/recommendations!

My son has a flockof pekins, one drake and 4 laying females. He feeds them organic layer feed. I don't think the protein content is an issue for the drake. The issue is the calcium concentration is too high. However, my son has not found organic all flock which he would use if he could find a source. With all flock, he would offer oyster shell on the side for the females.

In your situation, I would feed your ducks all flock and provide oyster shell on the side.

My son's drake has not yet run into calcium problems. That maybe because they free range and get a significant amount of forage In their diet. They also get mealworms. I remain concerned about the calcium his drake is getting, but it's important to my son that his ducks and their eggs are organic

 

[buzzville]

My son has a flockof pekins, one drake and 4 laying females. He feeds them organic layer feed. I don't think the protein content is an issue for the drake. The issue is the calcium concentration is too high. However, my son has not found organic all flock which he would use if he could find a source. With all flock, he would offer oyster shell on the side for the females.

In your situation, I would feed your ducks all flock and provide oyster shell on the side.

My son's drake has not yet run into calcium problems. That maybe because they free range and get a significant amount of forage In their diet. They also get mealworms. I remain concerned about the calcium his drake is getting, but it's important to my son that his ducks and their eggs are organic

Thanks! That's basically what we're doing now, so that's reassuring. I just wanted to check to see if it's normal for my Welsh not to be laying, given that she's been such a reliable layer in the past. With my drake, we were concerned about gout, so that's why the protein content was a concern.