- Apr 15, 2011
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Hi-
I have been reading a lot of the posts regarding duckling nutritional needs, but still have some questions I need clarified. I figured this was the best place to get those, and quickly! This is my 2nd time with ducklings- the first, rouens, I started on unmedicated chick feed only. They were healthy and robust, and did great. This spring we have a runner and a runner/pekin cross. Both are two weeks old. The pekin is healthy and fine. The runner though, came from a small egg, is a small duckling, and just seems fragile. He's shaky, thin, and a bit scaly. So here's my question:
I have them on Flock Raiser, not sure of what they were on before they came to me. It's 20% protein. Is this too much protein at 2 weeks? If not, when should I reduce it. The bag recommends switching it to layer at 18 weeks. Thoughts?
As for the runner, I have read that niacin or brewers yeast is good for them. This still isn't clear to me yet (I'm dense). Does it go into their water, or their food? Will a poultry supplement work better? I need amounts here!
Your thoughts are welcome.
Thanks!
I have been reading a lot of the posts regarding duckling nutritional needs, but still have some questions I need clarified. I figured this was the best place to get those, and quickly! This is my 2nd time with ducklings- the first, rouens, I started on unmedicated chick feed only. They were healthy and robust, and did great. This spring we have a runner and a runner/pekin cross. Both are two weeks old. The pekin is healthy and fine. The runner though, came from a small egg, is a small duckling, and just seems fragile. He's shaky, thin, and a bit scaly. So here's my question:
I have them on Flock Raiser, not sure of what they were on before they came to me. It's 20% protein. Is this too much protein at 2 weeks? If not, when should I reduce it. The bag recommends switching it to layer at 18 weeks. Thoughts?
As for the runner, I have read that niacin or brewers yeast is good for them. This still isn't clear to me yet (I'm dense). Does it go into their water, or their food? Will a poultry supplement work better? I need amounts here!
Your thoughts are welcome.
Thanks!
