Feeding my ducklings

[Autumn Leaves]

I have some 3 week old Magpie ducklings currently eating Nutrena Naturewise Chick Starter (18%) with brewer's yeast added daily. They are now in a "duck tractor" during the day so they have access to grass and clover. I had read that you should go from 18% to 16% protein after 2 weeks old to prevent angel wing - but I cannot find any food at 16% that is not for layers.

What is everyone feeding their ducklings? Is their access to grass/clover enough to cut down the protein. I really don't want my babies wings growing too fast.

 

[marcelineduckie]

my ducks are 9weeks and 6weeks they have been on the same food and will continue, there isn't much variety at our farm feed store, it is called meat builder so I'm pretty sure it's packed with protein :/ mine have not had problems Angel wing or any other problems they do free range all day no clovers though I am working on growing some and marigolds too they mainly eat grass, weeds, sunflowers.. I give them thawed frozen peas every other day, the opposite days I give them a stock of romaine lettuce. they get watermelon once a month (sometimes twice they're spoiled) when we get kale that is given every day or two also. each duck is different just like people some can handle things better than others depending on their genes I think 18% is good. we feed ours a couple cups each a day and also use the brewers yeast every other day at every feeding I will find.out the protein percentage next time I.pick.up their food

 

[suzy4027]

I feed mine purina flock raiser. Tons of people feed it from the day the ducklings arrive through laying and old age. I get it at TSC for $16/50lbs. It comes as a crumble and I'm thinking of making a fermented feed with it. If you find it and decide to feed it, unless you have a specific leg issue crop up, you don't need to supplement with niacin. That was a huge relief! I hated the Brewers yeast. Ugh.

 

[Autumn Leaves]

Thanks everyone - first time duck mommy so I'm so nervous.

 

[suzy4027]

Not just been there, done that... Still here, STILL doing that! Lol. As soon as you figure one thing out, the next comes along. Get used to using the forums and searching this VAST resource. Know that everybody here is just as obsessed and wants to help. No picture is too gross and no question to trivial or stupid! And you won't be the first to ask... Ever! Lol If you don't have the app yet, why not?!

 

[marcelineduckie]

I.have the app and I'm kinda disappointed, it is convenient but almost just like saving the web page to my home screen. there are no notifications and I can't upload pictures through it