Feeding ducks of various ages

[RachG75]

I have two laying 1-year-old Pekins and two 9-wk-old runners and one maybe 7-wk-old mallard. Now that I have stopped separating them, the issue of food comes up...how do I keep the little ones from eating the layer food and the older ducks from eating the flock raiser? Do i need to worry about the little ones eating the oyster shell?

Also, my Pekins haven't taken a break from laying since last August. Should I be worried about that? Seems like I read somewhere that it could be tough on them. Wondering if I'm doing anything inadvertently that is encouraging it.

I'm headed to tractor supply this weekend to buy food...anything special recommended for this situation?

 

[Miss Lydia]

When I have young and adults all eating together I feed All flock like Purina Flock Raiser crumble and put out oyster shell for the layers. My young may taste the OS but they don't eat it.

 

[chickens really]

Or feed grower to all and supply oyster shell on the side...

 

[Kiki to Nana]

When I have young and adults all eating together I feed All flock like Purina Flock Raiser crumble and put out oyster shell for the layers. My young may taste the OS but they don't eat it.

So many options, we are looking to upgrade our babies diet per vet recommendation. We don't have any ducklings eating with them so is there another feed that would work better than the crumbles?

 

[lomine]

I feed Purina Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side. Those that need the oyster shell eat it and the others leave it alone. I think it's the easiest way to deal with a mixed flock. Especially since layer feed should only be given to hens that are actively laying. Feeding it to pullets not yet in lay can cause them to start laying much later.

 

[lomine]

So many options, we are looking to upgrade our babies diet per vet recommendation. We don't have any ducklings eating with them so is there another feed that would work better than the crumbles?

What are you feeding now? What are your "babies?"