Feeds, so many feeds.....

[percyj]

Ok, i was rereading storeys guide to raising ducks, and in the nutrition section, he seemed to contradict himself. I (doing tons of research beforehand like a good person) was really confused, are ducks really /that/ much more complicated than geese? Ignore that my real question is I was looking for a feed that I could feed until they started laying, any suggestions? when I searched this it was all for chickens, so....

 

[duckyfromoz]

Because of the fact they are so tiny to begin with and have different nutritional needs than when they are say- 12 weeks old- there isnt just one type of food that you can give up until they lay. Buying larger pellets and crushing them is no good as although the size might be ok- the nutritional value of the feed wont be. I start mine on Crumble- Then a grower- then laying pellets. Because they do grow so quick - maybe you could just find a good grower for ducks and get a decent size bag of that- and just a small amount of crumble to start them off with for the first 3- 4 weeks.

 

[percyj]

Yeah but I only want two....so 20lbs bag would go 2 waste.

 

[treldib]

Quote:
Our pair of 8 week olds go through 50 lbs. of grower in a few weeks.....Ducks tend to fling food....

 

[percyj]

 

[percyj]

So....when 2 switch from grower 2 layer? 18 wks is what layena says.

 

[percyj]

This is for chicks... Has lysine and methionine. Is that ok??? Called purina start and grow. No niacin, tho. How much brewers yeast should I add per cup? Or should I go w/ flock raiser??? Purina

Start & Grow

SunFresh

Recipe Poultry Feed provides superior nutrition for starting & growing healthy laying chicks Made from natural plant-based ingredients free of all animal proteins and fats, it contains all the quality nutrients necessary to produce strong, healthy, beautifully colored birds. This SunFresh

Recipe diet takes "natural" to a whole new level by using only the freshest, highest quality sun-grown grains and plant proteins to give birds the wholesome, healthy goodness and fresh taste they deserve. Contains amprolium to aid in developing immunity to coccidiosis, a common digestive ailment in young chicks, caused by an intestinal parasite.

Consistent superior nutrition for optimal growth
Enhanced with lysine and methionine to help birds look great and build strong muscles
Strong level of Vitamin E helps birds ward off disease
High level of xanthophyll, a natural coloring agent derived from marigolds, ensures bright coloring for a beautiful flock
Strong Vitamin A fortification helps birds grow into healthy breeders
Top nutrition requires no supplementation
Aids in developing active immunity to Coccidiosis
Guaranteed Analysis:
Protein (min.) 18.00%, Crude Fat (min.) 3.00%, Lysine (min.) 0.88%, Methionine (min.) 0.32%, Crude Fiber (max.) 5.00%, Vitamin A 5,000 IU/lb, Vitamin E 14 IU/lb.

Feeding instructions:
Feed Purina Mills

Start & Grow

SunFresh

Recipe as the sole ration to free-range and confined chickens (including backyard egg producers, small to medium breeds and fancy and exotic breeds) free-choice from hatch until laying age (18-20 weeks).
At 18-20 weeks of age, feed Purina Mills

Layena

SunFresh

Recipe free-choice.
Always provide shelter and a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
Consumption will vary depending upon season of the year, nutritional needs of the animals and availability of other foods.


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[treldib]

Quote:
After 1st egg is laid

 

[treldib]

I would go with Flock Raiser from day one just cuz it's easier to only have to feed one type of feed during the brooding stage. I happen to not have access to any Purina Poultry feed so I have to go through all this hassle with Starter, Grower, Finisher, Layer, etc.

 

[treldib]

Quote:
Oh yes they eat A LOT but also they are very messy eaters and kind of sloppily swallow their food (some spills out when they drink lol). They also loooove to poop in or on their food. Lots of wasted food with these crazy duckies.