Getting prepped for arrival. Feed questions!

[Eggnonymous]

Okay, 10 Welsh Harlequins due, hopefully, Tue or Wed. Getting things ready and when I get my attempt at the watering set-up (a la Metzers) I'll post a pic.

Now, questions...

I bought Purina Flock raiser crumbles (20% protein, no meds) and have some Gro-gel on hand and some chick grit. I replaced my usual chicken scratch (5 way) purchase with straight cracked corn. Should I give them their first few post-shipping meals like last year's chicks - oatmeal + scrambled egg + yogurt, something else? At what point can I introduce some cracked corn and grit?

Treats/fruits/veggies. I am confused about the feeding of treats by hand - it seems to be a mixed opinion on whether that is good or bad. Is it only bad for goslings (we'll be getting some soon I hope!) or both and if so, how should they be offered? Don't want to start off w/bad habits!!!
How much, say apple, banana or spinach will be okay in the first few weeks?
Someone mentioned rabbit alfalfa pellets - what brand? The ones at Tractor supply have nuts mixed in.

Thanks!!

 

[DuckLover179]

First off for treats go here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=242460
It's by FAR the best resource for treats!

I feed mine Purina Flock raiser. That's all they got fed for the first week or 2 when I introduced treats (Except Niacin). I still don't give them yogurt, (Sometimes they get oats), grit, or scrambled egg. I wouldn't worry about feeding them just their food.

I wouldn't give them rabbit pellets (Unless they are REALLY small. My rabbit pellets are HUGE! So I could never give those to the ducks. Also look at protein levels.). Fruits, and vegetables are GREAT for ducks, and ducklings!

 

[Eggnonymous]

Thanks Duck lover! I keep hearing about niacin, why and how do you give it?

 

[DuckLover179]

Niacin helps support their bones. It makes them strong, so they can support themselves while they are growing at a rapid pace. I bought mine on www.metzerfarms.com It is a niacin/electrolyte pack, to support healthy muscles. You can put in 100mg of a niacin PILL into their water, or 1/4 a tsp of Poult Pak into their water. I bought the pill (In addition to the Poult Pak) at walgreens, in the medication section. You HAVE to get FLUSHED, not NON FLUSHED or FLUSH FREE (Reason is, non flushed doesn't work on ducks, so always get flushed. If the packets says nothing about flushed, or non flushed then it's okay).