Ducklings Over eating

[TammyC]

Quote:
Just my opinon but I think ducklings need their feed 24/7 I have never had any over eat when they have food continually. water too.

I read somewhere to feed them 3 times a day, that they didnt need it full at all times.. Grrrrr.. Here I was thinking I was doing it right... My ducks and chickens outside have it all the time... I also clean there water all the time cause yes they get it real dirty and play in it... This morning we feed them, took it away, made them drink and then gave it back.. It seems like they just eat without drinking in the middle.. When my other ducks were this little they would take a bite, drink, take a bite, drink... but these seem like they just eat and eat..lol Maybe I am so close and a little paranoid since I helped them hatch and feel like Momma..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Just my opinon but I think ducklings need their feed 24/7 I have never had any over eat when they have food continually. water too.

I read somewhere to feed them 3 times a day, that they didnt need it full at all times.. Grrrrr.. Here I was thinking I was doing it right... My ducks and chickens outside have it all the time... I also clean there water all the time cause yes they get it real dirty and play in it... This morning we feed them, took it away, made them drink and then gave it back.. It seems like they just eat without drinking in the middle.. When my other ducks were this little they would take a bite, drink, take a bite, drink... but these seem like they just eat and eat..lol Maybe I am so close and a little paranoid since I helped them hatch and feel like Momma..

Yep us mama worry alot, but i think if you offer their feed continually they won't gorge themselves, it might take a day to realize they don't have to woof it down so fast but they will learn.

might want to pick up a small bag of chick grit for them and just sprinkle it on the bottom of their brooder and that will help them grind up their feed when they over do. And congrats that you were able to find homes for some of them, thats great!! How about some up to date pics of the cuties!

 

[TammyC]

Quote:
I read somewhere to feed them 3 times a day, that they didnt need it full at all times.. Grrrrr.. Here I was thinking I was doing it right... My ducks and chickens outside have it all the time... I also clean there water all the time cause yes they get it real dirty and play in it... This morning we feed them, took it away, made them drink and then gave it back.. It seems like they just eat without drinking in the middle.. When my other ducks were this little they would take a bite, drink, take a bite, drink... but these seem like they just eat and eat..lol Maybe I am so close and a little paranoid since I helped them hatch and feel like Momma..

Yep us mama worry alot, but i think if you offer their feed continually they won't gorge themselves, it might take a day to realize they don't have to woof it down so fast but they will learn.

might want to pick up a small bag of chick grit for them and just sprinkle it on the bottom of their brooder and that will help them grind up their feed when they over do. And congrats that you were able to find homes for some of them, thats great!! How about some up to date pics of the cuties!

Thank you Miss Lydia... I will get good pics of the rest tomorrow.. I am happy at the homes they went to... The last 4 that went had a lot of land, chickens already, a pond, a set up already with lights, inside out of the cold and all... They knew about ducks already.. I felt good.. Also that last one born does not look like its growing at all.. He/she is still so small.. I will make sure to get a pic of him/her compared to the others.. We named him/her lucky..

 

[ASTURGES]

Quote:

Just my opinon but I think ducklings need their feed 24/7 I have never had any over eat when they have food continually. water too.

Mine too. I keep access to food and water 24/7 for my babies and they are happy and healthy.

 

[sandirat]

I have 4 ducklings/2 goslings. I free feed chick crumble. I've found the hanging waterers with the red cups stay much cleaner.
Yesterday I put meal worms (finely chopped and yes, it grossed me out ) in with their crumble. 3 ducks ate too much. Their crops/gizzards were SO huge. Mucous-y slobber. One broke a tiny blood vessel in her neck from stretching. It scared me horribly. Luckily I have a duck saavy neighbor. We removed the food and let them nap but kept an eye on them. They were fine after a couple of hours. I'll save the meal worms for treats for now. Also, I mix a bit of grit in with their crumble, as well as duckling sized pellet food (more protein than crumble). They get finely chopped veggies and fruit too.
This is my first time raising ducks/geese. I wasn't expecting the growth rate nor how much these little darlings can eat!
I've learned so much from just reading the threads here. Thank you everyone for helping a newbie!!!