Good duckling treats?

[OnceYouGoQuack]

I know this is a new thread with an old topic, but I wanted to start anew and get some fresh ideas. My trio is a about 3 and a half weeks old, eating/drinking/pooping great! Each day after their "tub time", I dry them off and put a towel down on the floor to let them finish preening and drying. I let them eat some snacks out of my hand, hoping this helps with getting them more used to me.

I started with a few dried mealworms (small ones, usually pieces of them). I had bought these for my chameleons a while back (who turned their nose up at them). However, my little ducklings LOVE them!

I tried to give them some peas last night...They seemed to gobble them up first, but then just smashed them up and spit them out after the first couple. I may try to reintroduce them in a couple days, as everyone else's ducks seem to adore them.

I have some blueberries in the freezer, would those be okay to give once they are thawed? I want to give healthy treats, but also things they will actually EAT I have access to lots of "rolly polly" bugs...I think I might go round some up today...

I have read several posts on chicken treats, just wondering if ducklings are okay to eat just about anything that chickens can? What absolute "no-no's" are there? (I have gathered that iceburg lettuce can give ducks diarrhea...not that I would know, lol)

I am eager to hear what everyone's ducks/chicks are snacking on...

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Amiga]

Well, one little safety item is to point out that ducklings need some chick grit in their bellies in order to be able to "chew" real food. So you probably have that covered. If not, just mention it and we can go into that.

I would say - based on my own experience not doing it - provide a wide array of treats early on. My ducks won't eat anything red.

I gave them peas and lettuce and slugs for treats. Did not think to give them other colors. Oh, well.

The Sticky on treats is really what I refer to most often. Very helpful and detailed.

Also, if they're mashing and spitting them back, they may have hit capacity, so take it easy with the amount. Two or three peas each may be all you want to give them.

Try holding treats in your half-closed hand so they have to really nuzzle to get the treat.

 

[OnceYouGoQuack]

Thanks for the advice, Amiga!

I only give treats after they have dabbled in their chick starter grit a bit, I am hoping this works? Do I need to purchase separate grit?

As far as the amount, I guess two peas a piece was enough for them! LOL...I think the fattest duckling may have eaten three, but no more. I think they were more preoccupied with preening, anyway. I will definitely pay attention to offering a color variety, that is interesting!!

I am new to navigating these forums, but I have found the treats sticky you mentioned...very helpful, THANK YOU!!

 

[Amiga]

I would sprinkle just a teaspoon of chick grit on their food once a day, having read the story that a duckling had starved because it filled up on grit from a free choice bowl. Being a new and very very protective duck mom, I resolved that would not happen in our brooder.

 

[horsewoman54]

My two week olds like spinach and romaine lettuce cut up fine and little diced tomatoes. I put it next to their starter food and they love it. I introduced it slowly, like a tablespoon a duckling. Now they get treats twice a day and run to it. They enjoyed the dried mealworms and also chopped hard boiled egg. No digestive problems either.