Free-Range Ducks...A question on feeding

[Slugma]

Hi, I just joined BYC, but have raised chickens before and used to breed them. Now after a few years away from poultry due to some health problems, I am thinking of trying to raise some ducks, but had a question on free-ranging. I am currently breeding mealworms and snails as feeders for the local pet store, and plan on building a self-sustained aquaponics system with talapia, duckweed, and some vegetables. So here's the question: Can ducks free-range and be supplimented with fish fingerlings (fry), mealworms, fresh veg, and slugs/snails? Or will I need to purchase pelleted food?
I ultimately want to run a fully sustainable farm; only running to the store for misc, toiletries...and I am also into the all-natural homegrown way of thinking, and don't like buying food in a bag---for myself or my pets. Any ideas?

 

[Amiga]

I am very slowly headed in that direction, and am not there yet.

But I can share some resources I have found along the way.

Harvey Ussery writes about it in his book about poultry,
Mother Earth News has published one or two articles about growing your flock's feed,
http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/waterfowl-1.html
http://joybileefarm.com/gmo-free-animal-feed-for-your-homestead-critters/


This thread was about concerns about aflatoxins, and it also touches on alternatives to boughten feed
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/711263/u-s-drought-fallout-might-it-affect-all-of-our-ducks/40


Welcome to the Duck Forum!

 

[Slugma]

Thank you for your help! I am really glad you could help me, because I couldn't find information on this myself. These articles are great, and I'm browsing the forum thread now...Lots of kind of scary stuff I didn't know about in there!

 

[Amiga]

Nowadays I feel like paying attention to the world around us is not for the faint of heart!

But here on the Duck Forum, so many good helpful people make it a daily practice to share and comfort. Glad you are here.

Please check in regularly.

Also, are you aware of fodder systems and fermented feed systems? I was doing FF, but slacked off. Need to get back on that one.