Feeding question

[kiweed]

I have 2 runner mixes ( I think). They are 8 weeks old. Until now I have been feeding them as much as the want to eat. Right now they Are on blue seal grower cal. Should I be cutting them back on quantity. Should they eat meals Say morning and evening? They are out by the 10x10 pond from 7 am to about 6 pm. They are locked in the duck hut at night.

 

[Amiga]

Beautiful!

I kept food and water out for my runners 24/7 till they were about 10 weeks old, then only kept it away overnight, about 8 hours. I feel that while they're growing, they need all the nutrients they can get.

 

[mandelyn]

It depends on how much natural food you have available for them, and if they can find it. Regular lawn type grasses aren't that nutritious. Your pond looks really clean from the picture, do you have duck weed or anything in it for them to munch on? Tadpoles or small fish to catch?

I have just a basic yard but in a couple of areas I encourage weeds like clover, dandelion, and the like. It still isn't enough to pull the ducks off their feed though, so I have an auto kitty feeder with all day access. I also bring them "treats" of tomato, peas, whatever I chopped up and had extra.

Ducks go through a lot of feather growth, first they lose their fuzz and grow feathers, then they lose those feathers and grow new adult ones. Keeps their protein needs fairly high until after about 12 weeks of age. If you want to reduce their access I would do it after 12 weeks, and then watch them during the day to be sure they're finding enough to eat.