Ducks going through food ultra fast

[CHlCKEN]

Do you have the water right next to feed? I keep mine separate a little, probably 20’ or so. It’s easily accessed, but prevents gorging, they nibble some, go drink and usually get distracted by whatever before going back for seconds, I have a large rubber bowl that is usually 7/8 empty by bedtime with 10 ducks.

Yeah I have the water a few feet away.

 

[CHlCKEN]

When I discover an unusual increase in the food being consumed by the chickens, ducks, and peacocks, my first thought is rats. Are you seeing any evidence such as holes or tunnels? Might be worth setting up a field camera for several nights.
I have never had any of the poultry try to defend their food.
If it is rats, you need to get on top of it quickly.

I have noticed an increase in rodents since my barn cat died this spring. It’s certainly a possibility.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

My ducks free range all day on 30 acres and have access to food 24/7. I buy 200lbs of feed a month for 15 ducks which ends up being about 13.3lbs of feed per month per duck. Daily that equates to just under half a pound of feed per duck. I don't have any pekins in fact most of my breeds are not too much bigger than a mallard. All of my ducks based on the keel body score are at a perfect weight. For 4 ducks 8 lbs in 1.5-2 days is fairly average if you're accounting for their growth, spillage and rodents. When you say they free range how big is their area? That can also affect feed intake and I know when my ducks were only allowed in their 1 acre fenced area they are considerably more.