Ducks need layer feed or oyster shell?

[Beccazon]

My chickens started laying this week at 4 months. All but 2 of my ducks are also 4 months. 4 pekins, 2 rouen, one khaki campbell and 2 10week old runners. I assume the older ducks are coming into laying as well? Do they also need oyster shell once they are laying? Or is a layer feed better? My birds all get an all-flock feed. Is it better to have a water fowl feed for the ducks? The ducks are in a separate area so I can feed differently if preferable.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Best to have waterfowl feed and oyster on the side so they can choose how much they need.

 

[Miss Lydia]

You can keep everyone on the All flock and just put out oyster shell for all your layers. They’ll use it as they need it. Makes life less complicated. But of course up to you if you can get waterfowl feed and have everyone separate then you have options.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Agreed. I am not a chicken person so this is better advice.

 

[Miss Lydia]

No your advise is great. Since OP has them separated. Options are good.

 

[Beccazon]

Is water fowl feed harder to find? I am all for doing best for my flock. Never even looked for it yet though lol. Until about 6 weeks ago they were all together. But as of this week with the chickens laying and both flocks starting a lot of mating behavior I want to be prepared to treat them as separate flocks if there is a big enough benefit to doing so.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Not sure as I don't know anything about chickens. I feed Mazuri to my waterfowl and I love it. Lots of folks on here feed Flock Raiser from Purina with the same results. It's less than half the price, seems the nutritional equivalent, I just don't like the smell. So personal preference. I see folks also feed Manna Pro. I can't get that here. So an all flock feed works for the duckies, it comes down to your preference.

 

[Duckworth]

I feed either All Flock or Flock Raiser, depending on which feed store I get to that month. I put oyster shell out free choice for the ducks that need it and let them decide how much they need. I can get waterfowl feed here at least some of the time, but life is simpler with the all-inclusive food.

 

[Duckworth]

Layer feed would be great if all of my birds were always laying. But the added calcium isn't good for birds that aren't laying. I go the all Flock route for that reason.

 

[Beccazon]

I agree it is easier to do one feed. And as long as the duck raisers agree it is fine, I will continue that way. And give the ducks their free choice oyster shell as I am for the chickens. Thank you guys!