Duckweed as a feed source

[Erik-Sarasota]

Hello -

I have a small pond that is covered in duckweed and a flock of a little over 20 ducks and 2 geese. I have read that duckweed is a great feedsource with a high protein content. I was wondering how much I should be supplementing the diet for my birds. They definitely enjoy it but I do not want to leave them hungry or overfed...

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[Bills vs Beaks]

you have duckweed? luckkkkkkkkyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

 

[Erik-Sarasota]

you have duckweed? luckkkkkkkkyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Thanks I'm really grateful that I do. My birds will literally chase me demanding to be fed if I go a day without putting some corn or layer feed. I don't want them hungry or nutrient deprived, but dont want to be spending $ just to feed a carb addiction.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Let them eat as much as they want, in the natural they would, but also put out good feed for them too so they get all the nutrients they need. They need a well rounded balance.

 

[CayugaJana]

Do they have unlimited access to the pond as well as their normal feed?

 

[Erik-Sarasota]

Do they have unlimited access to the pond as well as their normal feed?

Yes - they can go in/come out whenever they like to.

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

I've had a bit of duckweed before. I was too impatient to let it grow so I put some down at the dam and fed the rest to my ducks.

 

[Fishkeeper]

If they can get at the pond, they'll eat as much as they need. You need to feed them actual duck feed, though, consider the duckweed like a snack or in the same category as the bugs that chickens get while free-ranging.

 

[CayugaJana]

Yes - they can go in/come out whenever they like to.

I would just keep doing what you are doing then. They will likely eat what’s in the pond first then eat their feed if they need extra. As far as guessing how much feed to put out...... I don’t think there is a way to know in advance. It’s just probably based off experience.