Duckling Feed

[Karkville]

Hi guys?

I recently lost 10(out of 11) ducklings to an unknown disease. They became teary, unstable and weak. Some even lost their sight. Then eventually they'd die after two or three days after infection. One by one they infected each other til only one remained. I guess he/she had some sort of immunity, or maybe it was 'the chosen one'(sic!). I went ahead and consulted the vet and he told me the problem was with the diet coz I was feeding them on regular chicken feed.

My question is, does anyone know of a good way to mix ingredients for an appropriate duck feed? I would not like to undergo the same experience with my next batch.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PirateGirl]

What ingredients are you trying to mix? Are you in a part of the world where there is some sort of store you can buy feed at? They might be able to order something in for you if they do not stock it. I like to feed my ducklings (and adult ducks) Purina Flock Raiser crumbles. I supplement with liquid vitamin B complex if there is a duckling that shows signs of needing it.

 

[chickens really]

Where are you located?

 

[PirateGirl]

Here is some info on duck feed requirements:

https://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=24829244
Here is a calculator with some info on mixing your own feed and some choice ingredients, however it mostly looks at protein and doesn't take into consideration all the things that are needed for a complete diet:

https://www.metzerfarms.com/FeedConversion.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=24829244

 

[Miss Lydia]

How about just plain ole duckling starter grower? Very sorry for your losses. You can safely feed chick starter grower as long as you add appropriate amount of niacin to their feed daily. Also quite a few members on here use Purina Flock Raiser crumble it already has the appropriate amount of niacin in it.

 

[Ratchnick]

The symptoms you describe could not be caused by properly manufactured chicken feed.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Okay look up niacin deficiency in ducklings I know lameness and neurological problems are caused by it not sure what other symptoms can rise from it.

 

[DucksOhio]

Hi guys?

I recently lost 10(out of 11) ducklings to an unknown disease. They became teary, unstable and weak. Some even lost their sight. Then eventually they'd die after two or three days after infection. One by one they infected each other til only one remained. I guess he/she had some sort of immunity, or maybe it was 'the chosen one'(sic!). I went ahead and consulted the vet and he told me the problem was with the diet coz I was feeding them on regular chicken feed.

My question is, does anyone know of a good way to mix ingredients for an appropriate duck feed? I would not like to undergo the same experience with my next batch.

Thanks in advance!

So sorry for your loss!
I think duckling food should be 20-22% protein. I like Dumor from Tractor Supply. Maybe brewer’s yeast for extra niacin.

Seems odd they would all fall ill from food unless it was old, moldy.

 

[Ratchnick]

How old were they when they died?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Signs of niacin deficiency include lack of weight gain, failure to thrive, and reluctance to walk. Eventually, leg development is affected, and the legs become bowed to the point where the waterfowl cannot walk. If not caught and corrected early, the damage from the niacin deficiency can be irreversible.
Niacin Deficiency in Young Waterfowl | Purely Poultry Blog
www.purelypoultry.com/blog/niacin-deficiency-in-young-waterfowl/