DUCKLINGS ~what to feed them

[ducklover1243]

I have new ducklings arriving in the mail early tomorrow morning and everything is all set but I am a little worried about the feed! I went to agway to get them feed, and asked for the best feed available for ducklings. They handed me egg layer feed for grown ducks, and told me to add water to it when feeding them , to make a mash.I later read that wet food is bad. I would be prividing separate water also. I don't care how messy it gets because I am willing to clean the cage several times a day. Is this food I am going to give them ok?

 

[mommyofthree]

I got ducklings last year and raised them with my chickens, they all got the medicated chick grower feed until I put them on layer feed. I'm doing the same thing with my latest batch of ducklings and chicks. I've heard that medicated feed can be bad for ducks but I never had a problem. I would think that layer feed would have too much calcium since they are babies, but I'm not sure.

 

[Steergirl]

Most chick starters can be used for ducklings. I use Dumor which is for chicks, turkeys, ducklings, quail, etc and it is non medicated. And it is available at your local TSC.

 

[ducklover1243]

its egg layer for grown ducks turned into mash not chick starter which can hurt them but thanks anyway

 

[Steergirl]

I was trying to suggest to use chick starter (non medicated)

Some people at feed stores really don't know what they are doing and I agree with you in not wanting to feed them egg layer.

 

[WalkerH]

I heard that even the medicated won't hurt them. I guess they changed the chemical that fights the coccidia. I don't know, I have heard most people don't have an issue using medicated.

 

[Steergirl]

Quote:
I don't think it will hurt them persay but I do know that the dosage for chickens and ducks is different and sometimes the chemical can be different. So it is more an on the safe side thing.

 

[WalkerH]

Yeah I just heard it from a local duck breeder who keeps chickens. I don't know though. I just feed my two starter unmedicated crumble, like the chicks.

 

[ducklover1243]

but is WET mash ok? I know it can get moldy, but I will only put it in at "feeding time". But is it ok?

 

[purplequeenvt]

I always feed mine a non-medicated gamebird crumble. I wouldn't use the layer pellets (LP) at all until they are full grown and about to start laying. LP contain more calcium than grower feeds and too much calcium in a young birds diet is not good as it can cause bone and growth issues.

As for wet feed....I'm not sure. I think the concern about it is because of the mold factor, but if you feed a mash or crumble you won't need to wet it.