Duckling Feed Question??

[Quacking Pigeon]

Usually I give my ducklings chick starter or broiler starter then move them on to scratch mix (what I feed all my ducks).

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Do they still need the yeast added in?

Here is a fantastic link to nutritional information to achieve the BEST from your birds according to research...
http://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=21841743

Niacin is usually too low in chick starter for ducklings who need to have 55mg/kg of feed. You can call ANY feed manufacturer and get a better analysis than what is offered on the sewn in tags. Most give general information like protein and calcium % but do not include all pertinent facts. I contacted Purina and that's how I know about the niacin level in their Flock Raiser.

If you chosen feed does not contain 55mg/kg of niacin then continue to supplement. If it does than I don't think it will harm them, but personally don't supplement what I don't need.

I think scratch is crap and dumbs down ALL nutrients except calories, not just protein. Plus I don't think a couple % more protein is harmful and I DON'T believe 20% protein is enough to cause angel wing. I certainly never saw it here or any other deficiency.... yet.

 

[muscovy573]

Thanks EVERYONE for the responses! Will be looking at some new feed this evening.

 

[lomine]

I actually needed to add nutritional yeast for my last batch of ducklings even while feeding Purina Flock Raiser. The Saxony ducklings in the bunch were laying down a lot and had trouble walking. Added the yeast (and access to extra calcium) and they improved. I think it might have been because they are a larger, faster growing breed. There can also sometimes be one duckling that needs more then the recommended value. I had one of those in my very first batch. A little extra yeast was all she needed.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Nutrena all flock actually has more niacin than purina flock raiser, but flock raiser is in crumble form and Nutrena is in pellet. FR is also 20% protein and Nutrena is 18%.
I think they are both good foods though.