Duckling Food and Niacin

[Shannonw1228]

Chickens and ducks can be on flock raiser. Add oyster shell on the side for layers.
I had corn on hand so used that, but if I didn't have it readily available, I would have used oats.
I stopped using the corn when they were about 10 weeks.

Ok thank you!! I'm happy I seen this thread. I was taking my husband's grandmas advice. She has advice that's pretty old. I was feeding regular chick starter not adding anything. I really love the advice you can get here.

 

[CayugaJana]

I just might switch to Nutrena....... The niacin content is fantastic!!

 

[Shannonw1228]

I just might switch to Nutrena....... The niacin content is fantastic!!

Thanks really good for niacin

 

[Eagle Flight Farm]

I just might switch to Nutrena....... The niacin content is fantastic!!

We were really impressed with the entire nutrient profile and especially the niacin of the Nutrena NatureWise All Flock. I was a bit concerned with the Flock Raiser by Purina since our ducks and geese are out in a very large area surrounded by 330' of Permier 1 electric poultry netting, so they can forage quite a bit. With the Purina Flock Raiser just being the minimum recommended amount and warning about dilution of nutrients (specifically niacin) when combined with foraging or other additives to their diet, I was worried about niacin deficiency. I had also read another thread from a niacin search about Purina Flock Raiser being mixed at area mills and sometimes the niacin content was too low for waterfowl, depending on the mill's recipe that is mixing or the available nutrient resources.

In our area the difference in price of Purina Flock Raiser and Nutrena NatureWise All Flock is just 5 cents per pound with Purina being the lower price. However, when you add in the cost of Brewer's yeast that I always added for our ducklings, that more than offsets the 5 cent price difference and swings the better price value to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock.

The only remaining issue was that Nutrena NatureWise All Flock is pelleted and the pellets are too large for ducklings until they are 7 weeks of age. We started with Purina Flock Raiser and added Brewer's yeast for our ducklings and goslings, then switched to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock gradually over a couple of weeks so as not to upset their GI systems. We are very pleased how they have progressed and developed and we will begin adding free choice oyster shells as our hens near laying age.

 

[Shannonw1228]

We were really impressed with the entire nutrient profile and especially the niacin of the Nutrena NatureWise All Flock. I was a bit concerned with the Flock Raiser by Purina since our ducks and geese are out in a very large area surrounded by 330' of Permier 1 electric poultry netting, so they can forage quite a bit. With the Purina Flock Raiser just being the minimum recommended amount and warning about dilution of nutrients (specifically niacin) when combined with foraging or other additives to their diet, I was worried about niacin deficiency. I had also read another thread from a niacin search about Purina Flock Raiser being mixed at area mills and sometimes the niacin content was too low for wataerfowl, depending on the mill's recipe that is mixing or the available nutrient resources.

In our area the difference in price of Purina Flock Raiser and Nutrena NatureWise All Flock is just 5 cents per pound with Purina being the lower price. However, when you add in the cost of Brewer's yeast that I always added for our ducklings, that more than offsets the 5 cent price difference and swings the better price value to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock.

The only remaining issue was that Nutrena NatureWise All Flock is pelleted and the pellets are too large for ducklings until they are 7 weeks of age. We started with Purina All Flock and added Brewer's yeast for our ducklings and goslings, then switched to Nutrena NatureWise Flock Raiser gradually over a couple of weeks so as not to upset their GI systems. We are very pleased how they have progressed and developed and we will begin adding free choice oyster shells as our hens near laying age.

I have not been adding any extra niacin to the Purina flock raiser. So I should be? I'm going to look into the other food when they are 7 weeks they are three now.

 

[Eagle Flight Farm]

I have not been adding any extra niacin to the Purina flock raiser. So I should be? I'm going to look into the other food when they are 7 weeks they are three now.

If you are feeding them only the Purina Flock Raiser and they are not out grazing or eating other extras, it should have the amount of niacin stated which would be adequate. I have read on a thread here about some mills that were mixing the feed without adequate niacin, so to make sure I gave our ducklings and goslings additional Brewer's yeast added to their Purina Flock Raiser until they transitioned to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock. Ours were also getting treats of green leaf lettuce, some outside time on grass, etc., so I gave the added Brewer's yeast.

 

[Shannonw1228]

If you are feeding them only the Purina Flock Raiser and they are not out grazing or eating other extras, it should have the amount of niacin stated which would be adequate. I have read on a thread here about some mills that were mixing the feed without adequate niacin, so to make sure I gave our ducklings and goslings additional Brewer's yeast added to their Purina Flock Raiser until they transitioned to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock. Ours were also getting treats of green leaf lettuce, some outside time on grass, etc., so I gave the added Brewer's yeast.

OK I will Start adding some. They do get some extras but I guess I better be safe then sorry. Thank you!!

 

[Shannonw1228]

If you are feeding them only the Purina Flock Raiser and they are not out grazing or eating other extras, it should have the amount of niacin stated which would be adequate. I have read on a thread here about some mills that were mixing the feed without adequate niacin, so to make sure I gave our ducklings and goslings additional Brewer's yeast added to their Purina Flock Raiser until they transitioned to Nutrena NatureWise All Flock. Ours were also getting treats of green leaf lettuce, some outside time on grass, etc., so I gave the added Brewer's yeast.

Can I ask you a question or anyone on here. Sorry it's not related to food. I can't figure out how to post a question. I've done it and forgot :/
I have Welsh harliquin duck eggs in. I'm on day 18. About half of the duck eggs air cell look about day 10. I dropped humidity to 51 I can't get it lower. I started misting yesterday with Luke warm water. I'd there anything else I can do not to many days left. Should I remove some water maybe to get humidity in the 40's and if so how low should I try to get it and for how long? I would appreciate any help. Sorry to be asking in this post.

 

[CayugaJana]

Can I ask you a question or anyone on here. Sorry it's not related to food. I can't figure out how to post a question. I've done it and forgot :/
I have Welsh harliquin duck eggs in. I'm on day 18. About half of the duck eggs air cell look about day 10. I dropped humidity to 51 I can't get it lower. I started misting yesterday with Luke warm water. I'd there anything else I can do not to many days left. Should I remove some water maybe to get humidity in the 40's and if so how low should I try to get it and for how long? I would appreciate any help. Sorry to be asking in this post.

I started a thread for you.

 

[Shannonw1228]

I started a thread for you.

Thank you!!