Errr... Cfs

[chickboss]

So, I have run out of my normal duck feed sooner than expected, and it will be a few more days before I can make the hour drive to get it, so I pop into Coastal. I'm checking different lables because they sell the Nutrena Naturewise line and I didn't know anything about it and the girl working there asks if I need any help. I tell her I am looking for food for my ducklings, they are about 3 weeks old. She then procedes to tell me that I am looking at all the wrong food, leads me to the gamebird feed and tells me that they need gamebird feed because it has 28% protein! She gets a bit of an attitude when I tell her, nicely, that mine are 3 weeks old and need a much lower level than 28%. She litterally scoffs...errr. So I ask her, again nicely, what kind of ducks does she raise? Because I am thinking maybe wood ducks or something require more protien, I don't know. " Well", she says, "I have never raised a chicken or a duck, but my boss said that ducklings need to be on the 28% protien feed because they need more, but you can buy whatever you want, that's the best I can do for you. " And I am left standing there thinking "Seriously?" You should've seen the look she gave me when I went through the line with the lower protien feed, like I was killing my babies or something. GEEZE!

 

[katharinad]

A common mistake. I've picked up the wrong bag at my co op and found out that I had 28% after I've opened it. Bummer! It is a locally made one and they use the same bags for all different ones. They simply attach a small label to distinguish between them. I've found and interesting line upon closer reading off the label. It say good for ducks up to 3 weeks old, after that you need to switch to the other type with lower content. Interesting. My young ones are on it right now, but I will switch next time I get to town. They call the lower protein one also for game birds, because it is unmedicated.
You should call the feed store and talk to the owner/manager so they hopefully educate the girl working there.
Katharina

 

[chickboss]

Yeah, I have thought about calling. I think I will. Maybe that's what her boss meant, that 28% could be used as a starter... Love your story about Ducky on your webstie by the way. What a cutie!

 

[katharinad]

Thanks. I had to write it for the family. They are all over the US and had fun reading about it too. I think Ducky is still coming around. There is a pond on the property next to us with 3 ducks. There used to be only geese, and the year after ducky left the 3 ducks started to show up. This is the second year. No way of telling for sure, but it is plausible. I'm glad she went back to nature and that was the intend of it. I've also made it clear on the site I've created that we should never pick up wild ducks unless we are sure there is no mother around. This experience was fun and rewarding. Now I have two 3 day old Saxony ducks in my kitchen in a self made brooder. 12 more eggs coming this week. My husband already sees all the work coming up. I actually do the design and build the building, but he is the man labor for digging up holes and trenches and to hold thing while I mount them. He is just not the handy man. My job! LOL Another duck house and larger pen are on the list. The current one will be fine for two duck, but I want more space so they can move around and play.
Katharina

 

[chickboss]

I do most of the building around here too, LOL. Which is funny because my husband has by far more knowhow than me! I think I am the reason building codes were invented.

But for some reason I alway end up with the hammer in my hand..

That is awsome that she may still be comming around! And very smart on your end to include some info. about baby wildlife. Some people just can't seem to help themselves. I remember when I was about 16, I was at the local store buying a soda or something and sitting with friends outside, and these two kids came up with a baby herrion (sp, geeze I can't spell today). Anyway, they said they found it, no mom, but of corse they waited all of 5 mins to decide that baby needed help. Sweet kids though, just didn't know. The funny part is that I "bought" it from them for a buck, and then was able to find a wildlife rescue place that my mom took me out to so they could take care of it.

Congrats on your little ducks! And on your up and comming eggs!