Feeding mixed flock

[Peep boy]

Hey all! Half of my chickens are about laying age, and the other are about 8 weeks. I have a couple ducks to add in with the chickens. I was wondering if I could feed some duck grower that I have left from the ducks. I'll give a picture of the food content at the bottom. Thanks!

 

[lazy gardener]

I imagine that the analysis is pretty comparable to other poultry feeds. You might want to compare the fat content of your duck feed to a chick grower/starter or chicken layer feed. For short term, even if it's off by much, it should be just fine. I keep my entire flock of chickens on unmedicated starter when I have youngsters. I then switch them to layer any time after the youngsters get their cluck. (they are entering chicken puberty). Many folks would never consider doing it this way. But, after doing the reading, assessing the risk, and observing my flock, I am comfortable with this approach. If you don't have your layers on layer feed (and even if you do) it's a good idea to provide extra calcium offered free choice. I use oyster shell, and recycle the egg shells from my flock.

 

[Peep boy]

I imagine that the analysis is pretty comparable to other poultry feeds. You might want to compare the fat content of your duck feed to a chick grower/starter or chicken layer feed. For short term, even if it's off by much, it should be just fine. I keep my entire flock of chickens on unmedicated starter when I have youngsters. I then switch them to layer any time after the youngsters get their cluck. (they are entering chicken puberty). Many folks would never consider doing it this way. But, after doing the reading, assessing the risk, and observing my flock, I am comfortable with this approach. If you don't have your layers on layer feed (and even if you do) it's a good idea to provide extra calcium offered free choice. I use oyster shell, and recycle the egg shells from my flock.

Thanks! I think I will feed layer when the babies start clucking. I have my chickens on chick feed, and I have calcium available for my girls. I think this feed will work temporarily, until I run out and buy some better feed.

 

[rjohns39]

I agree with @lazy gardener and would only add that when you switch to a layer or all flock down the road, offer some brewer's yeast (I do it about about once a week) free choice for the ducks as they require more niacin than the chickens.

 

[Peep boy]

I agree with @lazy gardener and would only add that when you switch to a layer or all flock down the road, offer some brewer's yeast (I do it about about once a week) free choice for the ducks as they require more niacin than the chickens.

Do they always require niacin? I thought it was just when they were growing.

 

[rjohns39]

Do they always require niacin? I thought it was just when they were growing.

That's a good question.. @Ravynscroft do ducks on an all flock still need supplemental niacin?

 

[Ravynscroft]

Do they always require niacin? I thought it was just when they were growing.

It's up until 10-12 weeks of age...

That's a good question.. @Ravynscroft do ducks on an all flock still need supplemental niacin?

*Most* All Flock or Flock Raiser is formulated with higher Niacin content than regular chick feed... I use Purina Flock Raiser and haven't needed to supplement Niacin/Brewers Yeast...

However, Pekins are recommended at an even higher amount of Niacin than other ducks... if I had those, I would still supplement the Flock Raiser...

 

[Peep boy]

Sounds good! My ducks are just about 10 weeks anyway. I have three Muscovies, and they are extremely skittish. Any advice?

 

[rjohns39]

It's up until 10-12 weeks of age...



*Most* All Flock or Flock Raiser is formulated with higher Niacin content than regular chick feed... I use Purina Flock Raiser and haven't needed to supplement Niacin/Brewers Yeast...

However, Pekins are recommended at an even higher amount of Niacin than other ducks... if I had those, I would still supplement the Flock Raiser...

Thanks.

 

[Ravynscroft]

Sounds good! My ducks are just about 10 weeks anyway. I have three Muscovies, and they are extremely skittish. Any advice?

Bribery works wonders!