Duckling/duck protein % in food help

[shiningeyes]

I have two almost 4 week old ducklings. I've been searching the Internet and all its done is confused me. Does anyone with experience have any tips for what percentage of protein should be fed at which stages? I have chick starter/grower crumbles available at either 18 or 19% but they don't seem to like the powder in it so a lot is left behind. Or I have waterfowl feed available at 14%. I have read conflicting advice. Also I believe one is a drake and the other a female so I'm also confused as to what to feed once she starts laying.

 

[TimCline]

I have Perkins. Personally I give 20% till 4 weeks. Then 18 till POL then just layer pellets at 16%. Mine seem to do just fine.

 

[lomine]

14% is too low. The 18% option is better. You could try wetting it or fermenting to get them to eat more. At about 8 weeks you can cut it to 16%.

You can feed both ducks a flock raiser type food. Then when your hen gets to laying age offer oyster shell free choice. The hen will take what she needs and the drake will leave it alone. Layer feed has too much calcium for your drake and can cause kidney damage.