Duck food... issue...

[duckclo99]

Hi all! I haven't been actively posting, but i'm starting back up. I have had my ducks for about two months. THey are currently on 15% duck starter/finisher. The store doesn't have anything but 24%, 20%, and the 15% finisher. Then they have layer. When should I give them layer? Should they be on finisher 15%? Argh! I'M SO CONFUSED! *bangs head into wall a few times*

 

[ChickenToes]

Feed can get confusing. To make life easier for myself, I feed ducks chick starter. When they are 2 or 3 weeks old, I feed about 60% feed and 40% oats. When they start laying eggs, I switch them to layer feed. In the winter I feed 50/50 layer feed and scratch or oats.

 

[newbiechickenowner]

I have had mine since last may and they have been on layer pellets the entire time. I haven't thought of oats, although that sounds good. They are pretty picky believe it or not and only like worms, lettuce and their feed. Sometimes I throw in a handful or two of scratch corn into or near the pond and they will play with that a bit

 

[Orpstralope]

I bought some pekins and fed them chick starter for the first two months and they seem to be doing well. they just won't get in the baby pool...i thought ducks swam...

 

[acid_chipmunk]

I feed mine Flock Raiser and scratch. I used medicated starter on my chicks and can't use that for the ducklings, hence the reason for the FR.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

Ducks do swim! Sometimes it just takes a while. Try them out with a shallow bowl, then a deeper one (once they've got their feathers!!!), and eventually they'll be swimming like fish... or ducks.

 

[Jplejeune]

I feed all mine a mix of grower crumbles and hen scratch. they love it. When they are a few months old i give them corn and hen scratch and a little bit of rice. i have close to 100 woodies, english callers, mallards, pekings, and mandarins. All eat the same thing. they are loose in a 1/4 acre yard with pond so they do free graze too

 

[Wokawidget]

I feed my duck Bakers Complete dried dog food.
One bowl in the morning...1 in the evening. Just like a dog.

"Dinner time"
"Quack. quack quack"
*comes running*
"QUACK!!!!"

Then during the day she eats what ever she snuffles and finds in the garden.

woka

 

[Brickman House]

You can feed them the finisher until they start laying, which is usually sometime after 4 months old. Alternatively, you can feed them finisher forever, and just supplement with free choice calcium, usually in the form of crushed oyster shells you can buy at your feed store.

 

[duckclo99]

Thanks, i'll keep them on 15 % feeder for now, I don't make my own. I buy it at the Tractor Supply Co. Should I use that until they start laying eggs? When do White Peckins start laying?