Feeding chick feed to geese

[Biddieacres]

I have been to two feed stores trying to buy waterfowl food for 5 week old goslings and both places give me unmedicated chick starter. I asked them about the lower protein in the waterfowl feed and they say no they actually need a higher protein feed when they are young.

Guess I have to give them this chick starter. Is it OK? It is 20% protein.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

yep it should do - but what brand? the Du-More brands are ok for waterfowl.

you can also try wild game or turkey starter


hows those babies?

 

[Biddieacres]

poulin...they are still adapting to life here. Still scared but seem a little better.

 

[Cottage Rose]

You can feed the higher protien feed for the first 2 weeks (maybe 3 weeks tops) then switch to a grower feed that is no more than 18%.
Purina make a 16% duck grower ration.

 

[Cottage Rose]

The key is to not over feed and give them access to as much grass as possible.

Here are the suggested amounts to feed large breed ducklings from a duck book which I think could be applied to gosling's as well:

0 - 2 weeks 18 -20% starter feed, free choice
2 -7 weeks 16 - 18% grower feed, free choice for 5 minutes two times daily.
7 - 20 weeks 15 - 16% developer feed, 0.20 - 0.40 lbs. daily

 

[Biddieacres]

I think I will have to order the duck grower online. Strange that they wouldn't sell it around here.