Duck grower feed

[Greystone farm]

Ever since my ducks grew up, I've been feeding them grower feed. Recently, though, two of them started laying eggs, but I'm worried about feeding layer feed because I have one hen and one drake who don't lay, and 'm afraid it might damage their gut...but now I've noticed that my whole four-duck flock is getting a little overweight—could this be because they've been eating grower for so long? I'm also just worried in general that grower feed isn't good for adult ducks and am confused as to what I can feed them that will be good for the layers and the non-layers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Which Grower feed are you offering them???

I don't feed ducks more than 24% protein, as a number of papers indicate greater incidence of angel wing in ducks fed higher protein diets, particularly during their first 12 weeks of life. I also watch the carbs, and ensure any kitchen scraps they get do not contain bread, crusts, burnt pie shell edges, etc - for the same reason.

"Layer" feed is low protein, high calcium. Over time, the higher calcium **IS** damaging to drakes and non layers. "All Flock/Flock Raiser" type feeds are the usual recommend for mixed gender flocks, with free choice oyster shell on the side. That said, the labels of the typical "Grower" feed and the typical "All Flock/Flock Raiser" tend to be nutritionally quite similar to near identical, and its not uncommon to substitute one for another when availability is curtailed (as was the case last year).

How are you judging "overweight"? I've found visual clues to be deceptive, personally.