ducks and medicated feed

[kw]

Now, I know that you never give ducklings any medicated feed but what about when they are full grown? I've heard a few different things as far as it goes once they're grown and medicated feed.

Could any one shed some light on this matter for me? What about muscovies, since they're a larger breed of duck?

 

[Amiga]

Hi!

I am diving back into duckdom after a hiatus of many years - my ten runners are expected the end of next month. Wait! Did I write "next month?!" So much to do!

Now about your question - a very good one.

My understanding, based on what I have read and heard, is that ducks don't tend to be as susceptible to a number of the ailments that affect chickens. Also, ducks' feeding habits are a bit different than chickens, and so they are likely to ingest more than the recommended amount of medication when they eat medicated feed.

I know of a few people who say they have used certain medicated feeds with no ill effects. I also know of people whose ducks have died and they believe it was medicated feed. Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks says, "no medicated feed."

Is it that you already have the feed and would like to use it up?

 

[bigdawg]

the chick starter i get has amprolium in it, and it says on the bag its ok for baby duckies. mine are do to hatch the 25th. do i use it or buy gamebird stater that is unmedicated? but gamebird starter is higher in protien, will that hurt them? i was hoping to raise them in with some other chicks.

 

[rainplace]

Quote:
You're fine with that chick starter!

 

[bigdawg]

great. amprolium is ok. thanks

 

[CityChicker]

Most medication these days is fine, although generally completely unnecessary for ducks anyway. I don't think I have ever lost a duckling to cocci out of the hundred I have raised. I also am almost positive that in the Storey Duck book by Holderread, he lists the medications in feed that are safe for ducks.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I have heard that while it used to be recommended to not feed ducklings medicated feed (for the above reasons) that these days the formula has changed and it is now all right for them. BUT PLEASE DON'T GO ON MY SAY-SO ALONE, VERIFY THIS INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF!!! You could call Purina or whoever manufactures your feed. I've raised ducklings on Flock Raiser, it's not medicated & recommended for several different types of poultry.

 

[CityChicker]

I used Flock Raiser all last year as well for several groups of ducklings. Overall, I think it did great, although I have tweaked it a little. I feed a small amount of oats with it from the beginning (as well as fresh greens). From two weeks on, I have it at about 80% Flock Raiser, 20% oats. I also begin adding a supplement with Niacin at about 2-3 weeks. This is what is currently working well for me and my flock. As always, YMMV. Everybody has a slightly different way of doing things feed wise.

 

[kw]

I have my chickens and ducks in two different pens with a run in between them. I have it closed off right now but I've been playing with the idea of opening it back up and letting all my birds flock together. This time of year I try to keep my chickens on medicated feed. I don't want to re-open the run and one day walk out there to find all my little darlings dead, either.