Feeding my Hens and Drakes

[WackyDucky]

Hi! I'm new here and still sort of new to owning ducks. I have 4 ducks - 2 drakes 2 hens- that are a little over 5 months old. I've been trying to find a new feed since my hens might be laying soon, but there is so much conflicting information I'm seeing! I don't know what to get to make sure the my drakes don't get too much calcium but I still want my hens to get enough to produce healthy eggs. Again, although I'm trying to do a lot of research I still don't know much about this stuff. Any ideas of what I should buy for them? I'm thinking that I could buy DuMOR 16% pellet layer feed but if I do are there things I should add? I've heard a lot about oyster shells and other such things. Any ideas?

 

[AngelaY]

I feed my ducks Purina flockraiser. It's not a layer feed but I've never had a problem with egg laying, my duck's eggs shells are always perfect! (aside from the fact that they're always very dirty lol)

 

[WackyDucky]

Thank you! I will try that out especially since my ducks are still early on their egg laying.

 

[AngelaY]

Great! Also, there will probably be a lot of people telling you that it's bad to have a 2-2 ratio of male/female ducks, but I have 2 'n 2 and they're fine together. It's good to have a backup plan just in case one of the boys gets too rowdy, but I haven't had any problems yet. May I ask what kinds of ducks you have? I have two Cayugas, a Blue Swed, and a silver Swed.

 

[WackyDucky]

Yeah, I’ve read a lot about hen to drake ratios and most of them say 75 - 25 is better. I have all Khaki Campbell’s. If the drakes get too crazy I am hoping get some more hens from a friend.

Are certain types of ducks less rowdy?

I have noticed one of my males being aggressive towards the other. I think male #1 fights male #2 somewhat for superiority since the lead male was killed by a hawk a couple weeks ago. But so far their fine with the hens.