duck help

[RobbysRoost]

I have a lone baby mallerd and i have a few questions. First, can I just feed him chick starter? Second, can I put two chicks in with him? They are the some size and I would clean the water every day. Third, how old is he? I am just starting to see pinfeathers.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6161220#p6161220

The above link is about feeding young waterfowl and you may find it helpful. the duck and chicks will get along I think, but you will find that the duck is messier and ducks generally should not stay on starter as long as chicks.

 

[RobbysRoost]

Does he need a friend? My chicks are to small.

 

[TLWR]

He'd likely be much much happier with a friend of his own kind (another duck, not necessarily another mallard).
You can feed the chick starter, but search here or online for what medicated chick starter is ok. One type of medication is fine for ducks, others, not so much.

 

[RobbysRoost]

Is F.R.M. ok?

 

[Hattiegun]

For maximum growth. . . diet that provides 20 to 22 percent protein up to 2 weeks of age, then drop to 15-16%
Young waterfowl require two or three times more niacin in their diet than chicks - One symptom of a niacin problem in ducks is leg issue.
a niacin supplement should be added to their feed or water.
Niacin is a b vitamin. You can get it in the form of brewer's yeast (you can get the tablets at Walmart). Sprinkle it on the bird's feed or mix it in...You can crush some tablets and mix it in with the chick starter or put 100mg per gallon water.
You can also get elctrolyte vitamin packs and add to water .
Feed him greens. lettuce PEAS. bugs. etc.
Previously thought to be harmful to ducks, the latest veterinary science claims that neither Amprolium nor Bacitracin are toxic to ducks. THe chick str has the AMP and the 15% grower has BAC... so u should be okay with FRM grower... just add niacin or vitamins pak to water.



oh ,, he needs a duckie friend , or 2 , or 3 !!