Feeding Drakes/Drakelets

[Beah10]

This will be my first time with drakes and I am so confused about feeding them. I know ducks can survive on just about any feed, but I'm looking for what is optimal.

The way I raised the girls I fed:
1 day-3 weeks: 27% waterfowl starter that I ordered.
4wks-until laying age: 12% game bird chow.
Laying: 16% layer feed.

I've recently been reading that 12% is too low for the age above, but also that it has to be below 20% during that stage. This has me confused as well. I dont want to feed the drakes layer feed. I've read the high calcium is dangerous for them, and I live by the better safe than sorry motto. I only want to feed the drakes and ducks one feed, so I will supplement the girls with oyster shell.

With all that said, I made a list of all the foods I can find. For argument sake, let's say the ducks do not get any free ranging time.

Which is best/healthier? What age do I switch them from duckling starter? (I will be using Mazuri 20% waterfowl starter for ducklings)

*Mazuri 14% waterfowl maintenance
*Kalmbach 18% waterfowl feed
*Kalmbach 16% flock maintainer
*Purina 20% All Flock
*Purina 18% Waterfowl feed
*Nutrena 20% All Flock
*Nutrena 18% Waterfowl

 

[Weeg]

This will be my first time with drakes and I am so confused about feeding them. I know ducks can survive on just about any feed, but I'm looking for what is optimal.

The way I raised the girls I fed:
1 day-3 weeks: 27% waterfowl starter that I ordered.
4wks-until laying age: 12% game bird chow.
Laying: 16% layer feed.

I've recently been reading that 12% is too low for the age above, but also that it has to be below 20% during that stage. This has me confused as well. I dont want to feed the drakes layer feed. I've read the high calcium is dangerous for them, and I live by the better safe than sorry motto. I only want to feed the drakes and ducks one feed, so I will supplement the girls with oyster shell.

With all that said, I made a list of all the foods I can find. For argument sake, let's say the ducks do not get any free ranging time.

Which is best/healthier? What age do I switch them from duckling starter? (I will be using Mazuri 20% waterfowl starter for ducklings)

*Mazuri 14% waterfowl maintenance
*Kalmbach 18% waterfowl feed
*Kalmbach 16% flock maintainer
*Purina 20% All Flock
*Purina 18% Waterfowl feed
*Nutrena 20% All Flock
*Nutrena 18% Waterfowl

I think the concern about high protein is because of angle wing, but I don't usually worry to much about it unless I see an issue. I feed my yound ducks Scratch and Peck duck and chicken starter their entire lives. I feed table scraps and they free range, so I like the high protein to avoid a protein deficiency. I also like thats its organic, and they don't have an all flock so I just use the starter. My ducks like it, and are happy and healthy. I did feed Purina for a little while, but switched for the Organic benefits of Scratch and Peck.
Overall, any feed that isn't a layer and is labeled for ducks. I like Kalmbach. Their waterfowl feed is all natural, but I fed the flock maker when I used that brand since the waterfowl was only available in store.
As long as its labeled for waterfowl, you won't have to worry about niacin deficiency. I think any of the feeds you listed will work, but I do prefer a higher protein content, and always go for at lest 18%.

 

[Beah10]

I think the concern about high protein is because of angle wing, but I don't usually worry to much about it unless I see an issue. I feed my yound ducks Scratch and Peck duck and chicken starter their entire lives. I feed table scraps and they free range, so I like the high protein to avoid a protein deficiency. I also like thats its organic, and they don't have an all flock so I just use the starter. My ducks like it, and are happy and healthy. I did feed Purina for a little while, but switched for the Organic benefits of Scratch and Peck.
Overall, any feed that isn't a layer and is labeled for ducks. I like Kalmbach. Their waterfowl feed is all natural, but I fed the flock maker when I used that brand since the waterfowl was only available in store.
As long as its labeled for waterfowl, you won't have to worry about niacin deficiency. I think any of the feeds you listed will work, but I do prefer a higher protein content, and always go for at lest 18%.

Thank you. I'm reading so many conflicting things about the protein percentage for each age, I'm ready to pull my hair out haha. So if I feed the Mazuri waterfowl starter 20%, should I switch them at 3wks to the kalmbach duck 18%? Or should I switch them over at a later age?

 

[Weeg]

Thank you. I'm reading so many conflicting things about the protein percentage for each age, I'm ready to pull my hair out haha. So if I feed the Mazuri waterfowl starter 20%, should I switch them at 3wks to the kalmbach duck 18%? Or should I switch them over at a later age?

I personally don't think it matters. A lot of experienced members will say that Mazuri is one of the highest quality feeds, but I prefer something more natural and organic if possible. So I choose a different feed.
So based on your opinion, whichever one of those feeds you prefer to feed you can probably use without any issues. If you want to switch to Duck I'd probably do it in the juvenile stage, or around laying age. As long as it doesn't have calcium I don't think it matters that much.

 

[Beah10]

I personally don't think it matters. A lot of experienced members will say that Mazuri is one of the highest quality feeds, but I prefer something more natural and organic if possible. So I choose a different feed.
So based on your opinion, whichever one of those feeds you prefer to feed you can probably use without any issues. If you want to switch to Duck I'd probably do it in the juvenile stage, or around laying age. As long as it doesn't have calcium I don't think it matters that much.

Okay thanks! There is a 0.15% difference in calcium between the two brands. So I'm assuming that isn't an issue. I'll use up the Mazuri and switch them to Kalmbach since it's so much cheaper.

 

[Weeg]

Okay thanks! There is a 0.15% difference in calcium between the two brands. So I'm assuming that isn't an issue. I'll use up the Mazuri and switch them to Kalmbach since it's so much cheaper.

Sounds good! I don't think such a small amount of calcium would make a big difference. Good job doing your research!

 

[ruthhope]

I have three drakes and I feed them Purina or Dumor duck pellets when available and all flock when not, supplemented with brewers yeast. I give them mealworms everyday too, and either fresh kale or defrosted frozen peas most days.

 

[indianaducks]

My flock get a mix of purina duck pellets and layer pellets since I have both drakes and ladies. I feed oyster shell on the side if the ladies need more calcium. So far its worked for mine. I've also used nutrena all flock but like keeping the purina duck pellets in the mix for the extra niacin since I have a few giant marshmallow peeps (pekins)

 

[Beah10]

My flock get a mix of purina duck pellets and layer pellets since I have both drakes and ladies. I feed oyster shell on the side if the ladies need more calcium. So far its worked for mine. I've also used nutrena all flock but like keeping the purina duck pellets in the mix for the extra niacin since I have a few giant marshmallow peeps (pekins)

Will oyster shell on the side be enough calcium for the ducks? Or should I find a way to feed the ducks separate from the drakes so they can have layer pellets?

 

[Weeg]

Will oyster shell on the side be enough calcium for the ducks? Or should I find a way to feed the ducks separate from the drakes so they can have layer pellets?

I feed oyster shell on the side for my hens. I've never had any issues with egg quality. They eat enough.