Feed question

[Hamiam]

They do look young. I feed Flock Raiser 20% protein. Just supply a side of Oyster Shell & let the pullets self regulate their calcium intake. Welcome to BYC!

 

[abasset2]

I have a question as well! I've had a flock of 11 (9 chickens & 2 ducks) since April. They are currently being fed 22% protein. Should I stay on that level? Or is it time to go down to 16%?

Thanks.

 

[Akrnaf2]

I have a question as well! I've had a flock of 11 (9 chickens & 2 ducks) since April. They are currently being fed 22% protein. Should I stay on that level? Or is it time to go down to 16%?

Thanks.

You will have a different problem.
Ducklings could suffer from Niacin definitely if they will eat only chicken feed...

 

[Hamiam]

@Ravynscroft dont you feed your ducks Flock Raiser 20%protien? Do u have to give your ducks niacin as well?

 

[abasset2]

Should I stay at that protein level or switch to a lower level?

 

[abasset2]

You will have a different problem.
Ducklings could suffer from Niacin definitely if they will eat only chicken feed...

They are not ducklings. They are a few months old and huge.

 

[Hamiam]

They are not ducklings. They are a few months old and huge.

I don't have ducks, but I've read that adult ducks don't need the extra niacin that ducklings need. That why I asked @Ravynscroft, she has both chickens & ducks. I've seen her mention on BYC in the past that she feeds them all Flock Raiser 20% protein. I'm interested in seeing what she says & if 22% is too much.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Should I stay at that protein level or switch to a lower level?

Why switch to 16%? Personally, I don't like that our layer feed here is only 16%... and 22% is close enough to 20% to be fine... you just don't want to get in the higher range of the 20's, closer to 30% can cause issues...

 

[abraga]

I think that the left one is a cockerel , the right one don't have to much red on its lobs, I think that the best for now is to give them grower and not layers feed.

X2

 

[GC-Raptor]

I don't have any ducks, but my mother had ducks and chickens for 30+ years and fed layers mash to all including drakes and roosters, and cracked corn and kitchen scraps as a treat.
Flock Raiser/All Flock is for a mixed flock, including ducks and 18/20% Protein, and I would think enough niacin.
For my chickens, I like 18% Protein, I am currently feeding a 16% layers pellet with excellent egg production.
For chickens I think 16/20% Protein is good. I have never fed above 18% Protein, from 2 day old chicks. My hens are 16 months old.
I went to the Purina website, and they said feed Flock Raiser 20% Protein to ducks for 20/24 weeks, or till they start to lay, then switch to Layena 16% protein.
I would go to the Ducks Forum here on BackYardChickens to see what information you can find there. GC