Ducklings and their mothers

[Abi184]

Hiya, I have a Cayuga duck and drake and they are expecting ducklings soon. I’m letting her hatch the ducklings but, once they are hatched should I take them off her to make sure they revive the correct feed and care or should I leave them with her. I don’t want to make her sad or affect the relationship between my duck and her duckings. Does anyone have and advise

 

[Miss Lydia]

Let her raise them, your drake should be separated from mama an ducklings but be able to still see them. Once ducklings are around 3-4 weeks old try dad with them and see how he reacts. Drakes have been known to kill ducklings. What feed are you using now?

 

[Abi184]

My ducks are currently on layer pellets, but they have a constant source of grass, I sometimes give them oats and other duck treats too. I bought them as a year old and they have had ducklings before thank you for your help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Just feed everyone duck or chick starter till ducklings are on their own that’s what I do.

 

[Abi184]

okay, thank you! Could you recommend any good starter feed?

 

[Texag87]

Purina flock raiser crumbles will take care of ducklings and parents but your duck will need oyster shell on the side. Your drake should not be eating layer pellets because it can do long term damage to the kidneys.

 

[Abi184]

Okay thank you for your help

 

[Miss Lydia]

Be sure to get crumbles. Yes Purina Flock Raider is a good one and now they make Duck feed too.

 

[Abi184]

Slight issue :/ purina flock raiser isn’t available in the Uk lol. But I will deffo be getting crumbles

 

[Miss Lydia]

If you have to use chick starter then just add some nutritional yeast to their food to supply the niacin ducklings need it won’t hurt the mama at all it will be good for all your ducks.