Ducks and pellets.

[cluckcluckluke]

Will my new ducks be able to eat my hens layer pellets or do i have to get a "NEW SPECIAL" duck feed or something.
If it turns out i do have to get a special duck food can i still give the ducks layer pellets and then just buy them some easy or readily available proteins, vitamins etc that the ducks will need.

 

[jdywntr]

how old are your ducks?

 

[cluckcluckluke]

I'm not sure yet but am aiming for ducks either laying or just starting to lay.
They will probably be Runners or Campbell's.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

adult female ducks are fine on layer pellets, young ducks need starter feed. Dont forget to provide grit and oyster shell in separate containers as well.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

adult female ducks are fine on layer pellets, young ducks need starter feed. Dont forget to provide grit and oyster shell in separate containers as well.

Oh this is good news thank you. Ive been both told and read that if i free range my poultry they don't need grit or oyster shells as they will find it themselves.

 

[gryeyes]

They probably won't find oyster shell by themselves, though. I keep a dog dish supplied with crushed oyster shell out all the time, because I do NOT give my flock layer feed. I have chickens (including four roosters), ducks, geese and turkeys so the flock gets Nutrena All Flock pellets.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

we dont feed layer either, but it is OK. All mazuri waterfowl feed for the ducks and geese here. We dont give bowls of shell because it is found in our dirt (Island in Florida) but most dont have that luxury.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

They probably won't find oyster shell by themselves, though. I keep a dog dish supplied with crushed oyster shell out all the time, because I do NOT give my flock layer feed. I have chickens (including four roosters), ducks, geese and turkeys so the flock gets Nutrena All Flock pellets.

So i could get an All Flock Pellet and give that to my chickens and ducks???

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

yes, just make sure you offer grit and oyster shell in separate containers free choice to the birds.

 

[harriedhomemaker]

They probably won't find oyster shell by themselves, though. I keep a dog dish supplied with crushed oyster shell out all the time, because I do NOT give my flock layer feed. I have chickens (including four roosters), ducks, geese and turkeys so the flock gets Nutrena All Flock pellets.

That is what I feed my ducks, chickens, and turkeys also. I supplement with grit and oyster shell.