Feeding ducks

[NineChickens]

Can ducks AND drakes eat 16% layer feed along with my chickens? If not, will I need to provide oyster shell along with new food? If I have to switch any suggestions? I can't find all flock ANYWHERE so i'd have to order it online (unless there is another more convenient type of feed) if thats what i need.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Males of any species shouldn't be eating a feed that contains 4% calcium and only adult birds actively building egg shells.
http://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=18367931

A grower feed is similar to 'all flock'.
Yes active layers will need another calcium source.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Do you have anyone nearby who provides purina feeds? If so their flock raiser is an appropriate food for mixed flocks... simply provide calcium on the side for those that need it. Alternatively if you can find a starter or grower or finisher ration that meets the protein needs it will not have the access of calcium of a layer ration.

 

[NineChickens]

Do you have anyone nearby who provides purina feeds? If so their flock raiser is an appropriate food for mixed flocks... simply provide calcium on the side for those that need it. Alternatively if you can find a starter or grower or finisher ration that meets the protein needs it will not have the access of calcium of a layer ration.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...mbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005 Is this what you mean? Also are drakes allowed to eat oyster shells? Or should I just try to separate him when I feed the girls? Would they need oyster shells year round or just spring/summer time? Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to be sure.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...mbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005 Is this what you mean? Also are drakes allowed to eat oyster shells? Or should I just try to separate him when I feed the girls? Would they need oyster shells year round or just spring/summer time? Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to be sure.

Yes that is the feed many of us use f2ffor our flocks

No need to be sorry for being a caring cautious flockmaster by asking question oyster shell is one of those things everyone might peck at to investigate but only those who really need it consume at a rate of any significance. It can be kept in a dish in the general flock area

 

[ChickenCanoe]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...mbles-premium-poultry-feed-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005 Is this what you mean? Also are drakes allowed to eat oyster shells? Or should I just try to separate him when I feed the girls? Would they need oyster shells year round or just spring/summer time? Sorry for all the questions, I just really want to be sure.

They only need the OS in a separate container when they are laying but if you can keep it dry, it doesn't hurt to keep it available at all times.

 

[NineChickens]

Awesome! I'll try to make the switch for my hens while the ducks are still in the brooder.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Buy crumble it comes in pellet too but ducklings won't be able to eat pellet.

 

[NineChickens]

Buy crumble it comes in pellet too but ducklings won't be able to eat pellet.

Yeah, that seems to be the only type I can find of it anyway.

 

[3bird]

We use Mazuri Waterfowl Maintenance for our mini-flock of two drakes and five ducks. Tractor Supply special orders it for us. We offer it free choice and we also offer oyster shells free choice. In addition, our girls get eggshells most days. They may get even more excited about the eggshells then they do about mealworms! ;-)