Grubs/mealworms - how much is too much?

[Andrea PNW]

I'm concerned that maybe been a bit too liberal with the mealworm/grub protein treats with Barbe and Ed. I think they are at about 7 or 8wks and I've been reading a lot about reducing protein. I've gone thru two 10oz bags of meal worms in about a month for the two of them. No signs of anything wackadoo just I figured maybe I should tone the protein down? They eat flock raiser crumbles at night when they are in their house but are purely kale, dandelion, raspberries, lettuce and whatever else they can forage about 11hrs a day. Plus a solid dose of grubs/mealworms to get them in their pen in the AM and then back in their house at night.

 

[416bigbore]

Mealworms and Grubs are considered treats and not a healthy balanced diet. Sure it's fun to feed them and watch them go crazy over the treats. They still need a steady diet and feed treats in moderation.

 

[Ratchnick]

10% or less of diet in treats ppl say

 

[TomCahalan]

10oz in a month is not much for a duck. I don't see a problem, and in fact I would probably give them more. Grubs and mealworms help balance out the plant food that you are giving them.

 

[KaleIAm]

I give my 3 ducks about 2 small handfuls a day. It probably equals out to be a scant 1/8 of cup between the 3 of them daily. They also forage daily. Their regular diet is Mazuri waterfowl. They go to the vet for checkups 2 x a year (more if they are sick) and have their blood tested. Their vet has never told me that they are getting too many treats, thought I have never specifically asked.

Have you ever used black fly larvae? I'm wondering if it is healthier so I've recently switched. They are grown in the US, and supposed to be more regulated.

 

[Andrea PNW]

I think I should probably go the mazuri route myself. Seems like the best. Thank you so much for sharing. I want to do right by them and would hate to be the cause of something like angel wing cuz I wasn't paying attention.

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Great that you care so much - loving the names for your ducks too !

We throw about a mugful out per 6 ducks a day - we find our ladies are much happier when mealworms are in their diet and if they every stop laying, you can bet your bottom dollar that mealworms will get them laying again.

Whereas our geese know no moderation, I have noticed that my ducks seem to - they only eat what they like and stop when they want to. Geese just seem to carry on eating anything until there is nothing left! They are the dustbins of the fowl-world.

 

[Andrea PNW]

Great that you care so much - loving the names for your ducks too !

We throw about a mugful out per 6 ducks a day - we find our ladies are much happier when mealworms are in their diet and if they every stop laying, you can bet your bottom dollar that mealworms will get them laying again.

Whereas our geese know no moderation, I have noticed that my ducks seem to - they only eat what they like and stop when they want to. Geese just seem to carry on eating anything until there is nothing left! They are the dustbins of the fowl-world.

Lol - good to know! My two are I think about 7wks. Still have no idea their sex so we shall see if they will be laying or not.

Man they are funny.

 

[HalfWayUpAMountain]

Lol - good to know! My two are I think about 7wks. Still have no idea their sex so we shall see if they will be laying or not.

Man they are funny.

Fingers crossed for girls although drakes can have lovely personalities !

 

[oldhen2345]

I'm concerned that maybe been a bit too liberal with the mealworm/grub protein treats with Barbe and Ed. I think they are at about 7 or 8wks and I've been reading a lot about reducing protein. I've gone thru two 10oz bags of meal worms in about a month for the two of them. No signs of anything wackadoo just I figured maybe I should tone the protein down? They eat flock raiser crumbles at night when they are in their house but are purely kale, dandelion, raspberries, lettuce and whatever else they can forage about 11hrs a day. Plus a solid dose of grubs/mealworms to get them in their pen in the AM and then back in their house at night.

Chickens are like kids. they will eat the treats first and then, food.
I have 8 hens right now. About 3-4 times a week, I go out and give them just a good handful of treats- grubs, BOSS, kitten chow mixture. Sometimes, instead, they get yogurt or oatmeal with greens or left over raw vegetables. They forage in their yard and I feed them Free Range layer feed with oyster shell and grit by choice.
The eggs are plentiful with hard shells and almost orange yolks. The chickens appear healthy and happy. the oldest one is nearly 6 years old.