Feeding 2 Peking ducks, 3 RI Reds, 2 Rocks

[xdriver]

These are my first ducks and hens ever and they will all be living together in a 4x8 coop that I am in the process of building. They are all 5 weeks old and will be headed outdoors this weekend to live in the coop with an 8x10 run. They are currently all on Agway medicated chick starter (my research finds that the amprolium is safe for the ducks.) Currently, very few days, weather permitting, they all go outside in a run for most of the day. I live in Massachusetts and the temp has been in the low to mid 60s for the past week and expected to go up to 70 next week.

I was hoping to get some feedback on what I should start feeding them and when, as well as some input on when it is ok to take the lamp away from them.


Thanks so much, this site has been great to browse these past few weeks.


Steve

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Hi Steve!!

Welcome to BYC! I have 19 ducks, ranging from all ages to grown and just a couple weeks old. I am feeding them chick starter (non-medicated), a little bit of scratch, a bit of alfalfa pellets and some UltraKibble. I add water to it and make a soft, wet mash and I mean it's gone in no time. All the ducks love it and are shiney and healthy...not to mention fat! I also add Apple Cider Vinegar, and Cayenne pepper. They get fresh greens from the garden and yard, but usually don't eat them. I bought a kitty pool for them, and they love it! About everyother day I stick the hose in there and let it run for about 30-40 minutes so as to oveflow the water and get it fresher. After I do that, their whole run is a muddy mess that is half way under water. Talk about a bunch of happy ducks! They got splash in the mud and go running around their pen flapping their pitiful little wings and have the best time. At some point I want them to start free ranging, but so far I haven't been brave enough to try it. I have tryed to find waterfowl feed at different feed stores, but so far haven't be succesful. That would really be the best thing for them.

Good luck on the ducks!

 

[xdriver]

Thanks for the reply, any personal thoughts on the living setup having 2 ducks and 5 hens together in the same coop and eating out of the same food dishes? Specific foods that I should stay away from that may be ok for one but not the other, etc? Thanks so much. Here is my current state of my coop. Floor area is about 4x8 and will house the hens and ducks together. It is made of all scrap wood I salvaged from construction sites (except for the plywood)