Ducklings....Just did more researching...no med. feed ?!!

[unionwirewoman]

I thought I looked awhile back and some said that feeding medicated chick starter for ducks was ok . Now I looked at another site that "froggie" put up and it sais NOOO ! I've had them on it for 3 days , and am going to get something different . I've had ducks before and fed them med. feed and they were ok (just not ok with the ex's friends dog that ripped them open ) I shouldn't have to worry too much about them now if I change feed , right ? I have them in with 4 red cornish that we got half price at the feed store . They won't be bothered too much by the feed change will they . We plan on butchering them when appropriate . My ducklings seem to be "eating " the shavings also , Should I change over to straw ? Any help would be great !

 

[silkiechicken]

Never raised ducks, but I hear they can OD on medicated chick feed because there is too much amprol in it for them. Granted, since it's a thiamine blocker, my guess is that it will inhibit the growth of your ducklings as it it will cause them to have a harder time in adsorbing thiamine which the added amount in chick feed wont be able to make up for. Changing feed should be fine and I doubt much damage is done since it's only been 3 days.

 

[unionwirewoman]

Thank you ! How come you're always staying up as late as I am and giving me advice ! Not trying to push my luck , but do you think the red cornish will be ok with the food change ? Thanks again !

 

[silkiechicken]

I hear it is best to raise ducks/turkeys/chickens separate as they all take a different type of feed balance. I'd keep the chickens on the medicated feed. Don't forget to have a "tub" deep enough for the ducks to get their heads under the water to clear their nares.

 

[Dodgegal79]

Yes baby ducks like to gorge on their food and can overdose on the meds. They will eat some shaving, some people remove them and put them on paper, I used paper towel, its no as slippery. They will learn to eat their food soon, they just like to tase everything.