Duck Starter Feed

[novastar]

I will be getting some ducklings next week and I am a first time duck owner. I have been reading a lot, especially raising the ducklings. My biggest concern is what to feed them. I have read all around that chicken grower feed is fine for two weeks and then switch to turkey etc.
My question, why not just user waterfowl starter feed? Wouldn’t that take the worry away from them developing angel wing? Or is that risk still present because of the high protein yield in the starter feeds?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It would take the worry away. Many don't have access to waterfowl starter feed. If you do, go for it.
I would go with a gamebird starter with some added niacin in the form of brewer's yeast.
It is hard to overload very young birds with protein but still a concern.
Have you checked the duck feeding information on Metzer's farm website?

 

[casportpony]

I will be getting some ducklings next week and I am a first time duck owner. I have been reading a lot, especially raising the ducklings. My biggest concern is what to feed them. I have read all around that chicken grower feed is fine for two weeks and then switch to turkey etc.
My question, why not just user waterfowl starter feed? Wouldn’t that take the worry away from them developing angel wing? Or is that risk still present because of the high protein yield in the starter feeds?

Angel wing is not well understood. Some say too much protein causes it, but other things are probably more likely. If you live in the USA get some Purina Flock Starter if you can't find a waterfowl starter. Chick starter migh be fine if you add niacin.

 

[casportpony]

@ChickenCanoe , did you know that ducklings and poults have almost identical nutrional requirements? So no need to add niacin if using something okay for poults. I feed turkey crumble to my ducklings, poults, and peachicks, and I don't have any leg or wing problems here.

 

[novastar]

Thanks everyone for your input