Duckling Feed and 1 Million Other Questions

[Miss Lydia]

Ducklings are doing most of their growing from hatch till 10-12 weeks and need a good supply of nutrients for that growth. They can have all kinds of health issues if they are deprived. First one that comes to mind is leg deformity as it is we have to supplement extra niacin with our ducklings so they have good strong legs some even need the extra if fed ducks specific feed. They are like growing children they need a lot of good wholesome nutrients. Once ducks reach maturity and have acreage to forage then I can see cutting their feed but not many have the area to allow for good quality forage. So we keep feed out so our layers get what they need and our youngins are getting all they need for growth. My older ducks eat when they want too. It’s never been a problem here and to me just good husbandry.

 

[JulieBeth07]

Ducklings are doing most of their growing from hatch till 10-12 weeks and need a good supply of nutrients for that growth. They can have all kinds of health issues if they are deprived. First one that comes to mind is leg deformity as it is we have to supplement extra niacin with our ducklings so they have good strong legs some even need the extra if fed ducks specific feed. They are like growing children they need a lot of good wholesome nutrients. Once ducks reach maturity and have acreage to forage then I can see cutting their feed but not many have the area to allow for good quality forage. So we keep feed out so our layers get what they need and our youngins are getting all they need for growth. My older ducks eat when they want too. It’s never been a problem here and to me just good husbandry.

I have two 3 week old ducklings. What would you say would be a good wholesome treat I could supplement their diet with?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Meal worms are at the top of the list here. But mine also like romaine lettuce too here is a list and try an keep treat to 10% of their food daily https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/. Plus anything besides their starter they will need chick grit. They have to have a way to process the extras and the grit is what they use just put a small container of it close to their feed they’ll use as needed

 

[JulieBeth07]

Meal worms are at the top of the list here. But mine also like romaine lettuce too here is a list and try an keep treat to 10% of their food daily https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/. Plus anything besides their starter they will need chick grit. They have to have a way to process the extras and the grit is what they use just put a small container of it close to their feed they’ll use as needed

I've given them grit and some eggs. But no treats per say. Thanks for the info!

 

[Ratchnick]

Probably not the best idea to be constantly suggesting it then.

In all seriousness they just turned two weeks two days ago and i have been ironing out their brooding situation (they needed to upsize) before adjusting their feeding schedule. To be fair i have not gone out and told anyone to take the food away from their ducklings. People ask about it and im the only person who thinks its a valid idea. Well except for dave holderread, the guy who has been raising ducks for the last 70 years. As to your quote that's not true at all, i dont change my undies every day but that does not mean that i don't recomend it!

I have this book and it says nothing about feeding 3X a day To free feed ducks they do need good exercise and limited treats, on page 203 it does talk about Feeding programs but if you haven't the place for ducks to forage naturally. They need to have feed out especially layers.

You have the old edition, and i have the newer edition so the page numbers dont match. The fact that i know this and you dont is a little disturbing lol. You should take the time to read it again! He talks about it under rearing ducklings section and understanding feeds section.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I saw that but I also read this. " The quality of feed required by ducklings is highly dependent on the availability of natural foods, climate conditions, and the quality of feed [e.g., birds require larger amounts of high fiber foods than low fiber foods to meet their energy requirements]. So I take it that ducks need am ample amount of space to get all they need from foraging and only feed for 5min and 2x a day. I will continue to stick by how I have raised mine and will keep encouraging others to feed their ducklings 24/7 and adults how ever they want to for their flocks. I just know what works for me and giving my suggestions and I am not saying this because I think I am a know it all. But it is sounds practice. My ducks have a little of half acre to forage on and I still don't believe it can sustain my flock of 34 birds.

 

[Isaac 0]

In all seriousness they just turned two weeks two days ago and i have been ironing out their brooding situation (they needed to upsize) before adjusting their feeding schedule. To be fair i have not gone out and told anyone to take the food away from their ducklings. People ask about it and im the only person who thinks its a valid idea. Well except for dave holderread, the guy who has been raising ducks for the last 70 years. As to your quote that's not true at all, i dont change my undies every day but that does not mean that i don't recomend it!





You have the old edition, and i have the newer edition so the page numbers dont match. The fact that i know this and you dont is a little disturbing lol. You should take the time to read it again! He talks about it under rearing ducklings section and understanding feeds section.

That's not the point, before recommending it, try feeding your ducklings three times a day, and see how they do, I know how mine would!

 

[Ratchnick]

I saw that but I also read this. " The quality of feed required by ducklings is highly dependent on the availability of natural foods, climate conditions, and the quality of feed [e.g., birds require larger amounts of high fiber foods than low fiber foods to meet their energy requirements]. So I take it that ducks need am ample amount of space to get all they need from foraging and only feed for 5min and 2x a day. I will continue to stick by how I have raised mine and will keep encouraging others to feed their ducklings 24/7 and adults how ever they want to for their flocks. I just know what works for me and giving my suggestions and I am not saying this because I think I am a know it all. But it is sounds practice. My ducks have a little of half acre to forage on and I still don't believe it can sustain my flock of 34 birds.

I never said your way was wrong, I fact you were the one who did that! If it makes you feel better john metzer agrees with you. More then one way to get things done!

 

[Ratchnick]

That's not the point, before recommending it, try feeding your ducklings three times a day, and see how they do, I know how mine would!

So you have done it then?

 

[Isaac 0]

So you have done it then?

Yes, a few years ago as an experiment, let me tell you it did not go well.