feeding your ducklings

[duckings101]

i am going to get some ducklings from my local Bomgaars (Tractor Supply) for my daughters for Easter. our local coop as a 17% Layer Mash Meal is this something i could feed my ducklings? Or do i specifically need duck feed?

 

[GoldDogsMom]

I would reccommend chick/poultry starter usually about 24% protein NON-medicated until about 6 weeks then grower which is usually about 20% then when they start laying switch to layer feed.

 

[EJPedrazzi]

If you feed them chick starter they'll need niacin supplement - about 100 / 150mg crushed per gallon of water. The non-flushable kind.

And please remember - a duck is for life, not just for Easter!

 

[duckings101]

Is broiler start/grower the same thing?

 

[GoldDogsMom]

And please remember - a duck is for life, not just for Easter!

They should post this at Tractor Supply!

 

[GoldDogsMom]

Is broiler start/grower the same thing?

I am not sure what the protein content is...I think this is usually reccommended for meat birds.

 

[duckings101]

We've never raised ducks before so it will be interesting.

 

[DenverDucky]

And please remember - a duck is for life, not just for Easter!

 

[missnu01]

I am not sure what the protein content is...I think this is usually reccommended for meat birds.

Meat bird maker is the one we use...it says All Grain, but it might be Southern States brand...anyway it has only 20% protein and says you can feed it to anything you are planning on eating from start to finish, or feed it to layers from hatch to 16 weeks...or feed it to breeders hatch to finish...So it seems to just be chick starter that you may or may not be eating the animal you are feeding it to. I give my ducks something different with every feeding...One time I'll give them the chick starter with 24% protein...the next time it will be gamebird starter (already has niacin added), and then the next it will be the meat bird maker...soon though they can switch to the flock raiser the chickens get.

I tried finding "duck food" but there seems to be no such thing, other than the gamebird/showbird starter ( it says it's good for ducks too)...and I can only find that in small bags, and the ducklings are getting older, so the small bag doesn't even last a week...


If you aren't ready to deal with a creature that is 10x nastier than any bunny alive, and 100x nastier than a chicken you need to not get a duck...but I wouldn't say a duck is for life...I mean if you get a pekin duck they are ready to eat in 7 weeks...so if you get one and then change your mind, just eat it...
People on here said ducks are nasty, but I didn't realize how nasty we were talking...but now that I know I am thinking of either keeping very very very few ducks, or possibly processing all of the ones we have bought so far...Lol. They are really gross...and the ducklings are cute for about 10 minutes and then one takes the biggest grossest poop ever and you are just like, "hmmm, I no longer wish to hold and cuddle this creature from the land of poops..." To tell the truth, that is what I love about poultry as "pets" if I should happen to tire of them, or don't like one's attitude I can just eat them... It doesn't get better than that... They aren't pets around here though...they are either laying eggs, or being roasted slowly...

So a pekin duck is for at least 7 weeks after easter...

 

[GoldDogsMom]

We've never raised ducks before so it will be interesting.

Here's some advice based on my experience...

I use a kiddie pool in my basement as a brooder and hang a heat lamp above it, they will eventually learn to jump out but I put fencing around to keep them contained.

Ducks are very messy, so be prepared to change their bedding frequently- I usually start with wood shavings and then use pellets http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb?cm_vc=-10005 because they absorb more of the spilled water and doesn't have to be changed as often.

You should also make some plans if you haven't already for secure housing when you move them outside. I built a small duck house and close them up every night to keep them safe from predators. Now that they are laying, they lay their eggs in the duckhouse so I don't have to search the woods! I put food and water in the house at night for them.

Do you have a pond or a creek for them? If not you should consider some sort of baby pool set up for bathing and swimming.

Here is a link to TSC on raising ducks and you might also want to pick up Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_Chicken-Care_tips-for-raising-ducks-and-ducklings

I hope this helps- I know how upset I have been when predators have gotten my ducks and hopefully with some foreknowledge yo can avoid that happening to you and your girls!