Food, suggestions, and ages

[askem]

Hey everyone! So I am worried about the growth of my babies, and am looking into getting a lower protein feed based on some advice I've read. My buddies are pet only birds, so I think they might be growing too fast on the 20% protein feed.

Right now they're on Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles which has 20% Protein. They are about 3 to 4 weeks old, and one of my birds is especially HUGE. They get 2 to 3 cups of feed for 2 ducks per day.

Are they old enough to switch to a lower protein diet? If so, what would you suggest I switch them to?

Unfortunately I still about half a bag of my Crumbles left, so I will probably mix it with the next bag of feed I buy. We don't have a farm store near here like Rural King or Tractor Supply, but we have a feed store that's only slightly more expensive than the rest that I can buy their food at.

Also, what age should I switch them to their final feed? And what protein should I be looking for as their maintenance/adult feed?

 

[askem]

This is how big they are. Compared to 7 days ago.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Amazing for sure. Maybe instead of stopping the Flock raiser since it's such a good feed and also good for water fowl why not cut their crumbles with some Oatmeal reg not quick cooking. That's what a lot of members do to cut the protein down some then once they get past 10-12 weeks old straight FR again.

 

[askem]

Amazing for sure. Maybe instead of stopping the Flock raiser since it's such a good feed and also good for water fowl why not cut their crumbles with some Oatmeal reg not quick cooking. That's what a lot of members do to cut the protein down some then once they get past 10-12 weeks old straight FR again.

I'm so worried about my little babies! Haha. Everything has me paranoid and seeing how much they've exploded in just 7 days has me super worried!

That's a great idea! Will they still be getting all the nutrients they need? I'm still supplementing the niacin so I'll continue to do that. I'm going to stop feeding them the meal worms, they were getting those every other night as a treat but I'm starting to think that helped this growth spurt. They're HUGE for so young! I'm building them their permanent inside house over this weekend so at least they'll have that to go into and get out of that brooder!

 

[chickens really]

Yes, they need a 16% Grower feed or a 16% finisher..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yes they can still get what they need your just cutting the protein down. But flock raiser is such a good feed other than feed for water fowl It would be best to keep them on it. Since it's for all poultry not just chickens.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Right now they're on Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles which has 20% Protein. They are about 3 to 4 weeks old, and one of my birds is especially HUGE. They get 2 to 3 cups of feed for 2 ducks per day.

Hi, I think the flock raiser is a VERY acceptable choice and do NOT believe you need to cut the protein level. Ducks are not chickens and the growth is shocking if you aren't familiar. But I will provide a link to support my stance, and not that while I don't have ducks any more mine were all raised on the same feed and did great!

http://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=21613480

* If you cannot find a starter feed with at least 22% protein, then you can use a 20+% protein starter feed but you must use it for at least four weeks.

They could likely use some range time by now if you haven't gotten them out yet. I never limit feed amount especially in a brooder where they can't forage for anything else.

If you do try to lower your protein (and that's probably OK), don't forget about the niacin level MUST be at least 55mg/kg of feed. The flock raiser does have that amount, but other feeds might need supplementing.

At the young stages, duckling DOUBLE their size weekly. And are as big as my full size chicken by 8 or 9 weeks. Also duck breed will have some impact on their growth and protein need.

Good luck!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Very good info Eggsighted only thing is with them growing so big so fast cutting protein till after 10-12 weeks can also help on angel wing. I never cut the flock raiser when I fed it to young but mine were always out on ground at a few days after hatch because they were with their mama.

@askem give them shredded lettuce as a snack and a tiny bity of meal worms or you may have a munity on your hands.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'm going to stop feeding them the meal worms, they were getting those every other night as a treat

Those are high in protein but also in fat. VERY high in fat, so that change alone could be enough. Maybe do the treat like the oats or some floating lettuce type stuff?

I did NOT have to supplement niacin with the flock raiser, since I called the company to verify amount.

 

[chickens really]

Ducklings only need niacin at high levels till 3 weeks and then what ever they get from forage and Veggies..Pekin grow way too quickly and higher protein can cause leg issues..