grain or corn in the summer?

[Billy-jean]

I want to cut the cost down a bit for the summer when it comes to feeding my ducks(8)
they eat grass,bugs worms ect all summer,and whatever we give them from scraps...is grain or cracked corn a healthy option? I have been feeding them the layer mash that my hens get,,and it's just getting too expensive seeing as the ducks eat WAY more in a day than my 6 silkie hens. grain,or corn? anyone?

 

[Missy60]

I was told to cut the feed with rolled oats in the summer and corn in the winter. Chicken food has to much protein for ducks any way. Here's a link to cutting the protein that I felt was very helpfull
http://www.metzerfarms.com/FeedConv...1c3f5bc-42F85724-65BF-52D7-F4B52013E36BEB12ul
I haven't found that it really saves me any money though, because the amount of rolled oats I'm suppose to use is almost 50/50 and the oats is almost as expensive as the flock raiser I use.

 

[Amiga]

I would watch it on the corn, not much nutrient there for the calories. In winter as a calorie booster it's okay.

Mother Earth News has an article online about raising food for your flock, so you might get some good ideas there.

 

[larkflying]

Corn is generally not recommended for waterfowl unless in the winter, when temperatures are very cold and they need extra energy.

Can you leave food out for the ducks and chickens separately? I try to feed the ducks in the morning and at night, and then have food available for the chickens during the day . . . That helps a lot. Ducks seem able to eat an incredible amount . . .

 

[Billy-jean]

The chickens have a separate house and the ducks can't get it there..I feed everyone in the am, and they pretty much stick to their own feeding bowls. so mixed grain I just learned is a good choice for ducks. Perhaps I will try that? I knew that corn was prefered in the winter but I was never keen on feeding only corn,,how boring! LOL

 

[Billy-jean]

and thank you for all your replies! very helpful!

 

[Miss Lydia]

You might enjoy reading this. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-its-useful-in-flock-management-and-nutrition

 

[knightie]

I guess my ducks are just mutants.... they aren't even dating a cup of food a day (I have 6 one of which has started laying) so my ducks actually eat way less than the chicknes do! Of course it seems we have a large number of crickets and grassshoppers this year.