game bird feed for mixed flock. Is it okay?

[HortenseCumberbatch]

hey everybody. I have three ducks (two khacki cambells and a pekin) and three chickens. I got them all at the same time, they're around the same age. I'm aware ducks develop a lot faster than chickens (boy do they ever!!!). I feed my ducks game bird/water fowl food and the chickens were getting chick starter. They share an area and in the beginning I noticed both types of birds prefer the game bird food. I understand it's very tasty to encourage eating. The animals also have access to forage. So I'm wondering if I can just give the whole flock game bird feed. I swear I read somewhere that it was fine to do that as opposed to feeding the mixed flock purely chicken feed and as I was perusing the forum I am seeing contradictory information. The flock all share a run and coop together and after trial and error it seems to be working fine now. I am considering making a separate duck house as I want more chickens. I also have a stream that I may allow the ducks to check out during the day time. As always I appreciate any advice. This forum is so totally helpful.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It won't hurt to feed them all the game bird , but you will probably need to put out oyster shell so they will have enough calcium.

 

[HortenseCumberbatch]

Thanks for the reply. What are your thoughts about giving both sets of birds access to both types of food? That seems like the less workable idea to me but I don't know.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

My chickens, geese and turkeys all eat gamebird feed. My chickens feathers are gorgeous and their combs and wattles are nice and red. I've been feeding gamebird feed for a while now, and haven't noticed any ill effects. It is more expensive than layer feed, but I figure my birds are worth the extra money. I do feed oyster shell and crushed egg shell for calcium. Good luck!