Feeding timeline for ducklings to ducks?

[DillardHome]

Hello all!

I have been trying to find a thread I thought I saw at one time about what and when to feed ducklings/ducks.

I currently have 5 week old Rouens, 1 drake and 4 hens, they have been on Flock Raiser and I have been adding Niacin to their drinking water. A few days ago we moved them to their outdoor pen, oh boy do they love all the room and their pool! I am almost out of Flock Raiser and wanted to find out if they should still be on it or are they needing the 'next step'.

Can someone please tell me...... what type of feed at what age? I saw the sticky on the treats but nothing on their everyday food.

i.e. Ducklings to ? weeks = ?? (feed)
? weeks to ? weeks = ?? (feed)


Thanks BYCers!!

 

[Amiga]

Hi!

For the first two weeks, mine were on starter crumbles plus some oatmeal to keep the protein around 20%, then I started mixing in a little grower ration to shift them over so that by the third week they were on grower with oatmeal to adjust the protein to around 18%. Then I found a grower/maintenance ration at 16% protein when they were about 5 weeks old, so I shifted them over to that and will keep them on that until they are about 14 weeks old, when they will be getting ready to lay (this is an educated guess - these are runner ducks). At that time, I plan to offer oyster shell free choice, with a little crushed cat kibble for a protein boost (if I think they aren't nabbing enough bugs on their own!).

They seem healthy so far!

0 - 2 weeks 20% protein, combo starter crumbles and oatmeal
3 - 5 weeks 18% protein, combo grower and oatmeal plus salad and a few peas
6 + weeks (not laying) grower/maintenance feed plus salad, slugs and bugs
four weeks prior to and through laying season, grower/maintenance plus oyster shell plus extra protein (slugs, bugs, or cat kibble)

 

[Hennyhandler]

I was interested in this too because I have fed mine the exact same way with the flock raiser and added niacin in water. Mine are about two to three weeks old and was wondering when to switch over. Amiga, will you not put them on layer feed when they are getting near lay point?

 

[Amiga]

Hi, Hennyhandler,

So far as I have been able to figure, the difference between layer and maintenance is the calcium, calories and protein. Oyster shell provides calcium and kibble provides protein and calories. That is why I am thinking of just sticking with the maintenance feed they are used to and apparently doing well with, and adding the supplements they will need to prepare for and stay healthy with during laying season. (Not sure about the grammar there, though.)