Feeding questions

[FunQuail]

Hi!
I finally did it! I ordered ducklings! 4 girls and 1 boy Welsh Harlequins. They’re arriving the week of April 13th.
So I need some help on feeding and how exactly.
Ok at TS when I called they said that they do have feed specifically for ducklings and ducks. Can I during the laying season do 15-16% protein with oyster shells on the side so the drake doesn’t get overloaded with calcium and protein? Do I have this right about he can get too much? And will the ducks be ok with that? I hope to go to TS later today and I’ll know more then too.
And for the duckling stage I give them 18% protein for the first 2 weeks, then the 3rd week I switch to 15-16% protein right?
And what treats can I give the ducklings and ducks?
Thank you!
Kelly

 

[Isaac 0]

Hi!
I finally did it! I ordered ducklings! 4 girls and 1 boy Welsh Harlequins. They’re arriving the week of April 13th.
So I need some help on feeding and how exactly.
Ok at TS when I called they said that they do have feed specifically for ducklings and ducks. Can I during the laying season do 15-16% protein with oyster shells on the side so the drake doesn’t get overloaded with calcium and protein? Do I have this right about he can get too much? And will the ducks be ok with that? I hope to go to TS later today and I’ll know more then too.
And for the duckling stage I give them 18% protein for the first 2 weeks, then the 3rd week I switch to 15-16% protein right?
And what treats can I give the ducklings and ducks?
Thank you!
Kelly

If they have duckling and duck feed, definitely buy them. It sounds like you have everything right, Males won't necessarily die if they can get too much calcium in a short period of time, it's just not recommended for long term use.


Here is a comprehensive list of safe treats for ducks-

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/

 

[FunQuail]

Thank you so much!
Kelly

 

[DuckyDonna]

TSC should have Purina duck pellets. Those are for all stages of life for all ducks male and female. When the girls get of laying age put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for them.

If they don't have the big 40 lb bags insist that they order some in. Buying those 5lb bags is very expensive and ends up costing $48 for 40lbs. A 40lb bag of the pellets costs $16.99!

Also, while you're there pick up a bottle of B-complex to have on hand. It's got lots of niacin and if leg problems or any kind of sickness should develop that is a good thing to give them. This is the botttle:

 

[Knighstar679]

TSC should have Purina duck pellets. Those are for all stages of life for all ducks male and female. When the girls get of laying age put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for them.

If they don't have the big 40 lb bags insist that they order some in. Buying those 5lb bags is very expensive and ends up costing $48 for 40lbs. A 40lb bag of the pellets costs $16.99!
View attachment 2056700

Also, while you're there pick up a bottle of B-complex to have on hand. It's got lots of niacin and if leg problems or any kind of sickness should develop that is a good thing to give them. This is the botttle:
View attachment 2056699

My tsc doesn’t have the duck stuff yet. So I am still feeding Nutrena Naturewise. But I wouldn’t be without the vitamin b complex that they showed, or nutra-drench. Both are great to have on hand just in case you have a weak duckling or someone has an issue.

 

[FunQuail]

Hi. Thank you for all of your replies!
I will get the vitamin B complex.
Can you give ducklings mealworms when they are just a day old?
The Purina Flock Raiser has Niacin in it. Then my plan is when they hit the 3 week mark switch to the Dumor brand and continue with that, then in a separate pan have the oyster shells for when they are starting to lay and continuing having the oyster shells there for the ducks until they finish laying. Does that sound good?
Thanks again,
Kelly

 

[Isaac 0]

Looks like you have everything!

You can give ducklings mealworms when they are young, just don't feed them too much. In case you don't know the rules around here, baby duckling pictures are required.

 

[FunQuail]

I can follow those rules!!!! Thank you!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

When I give tiny ducklings meal worms I crush them just a little in my hand first.

 

[FunQuail]

Thank you!!