Hello, I'm back to BYC!

[Nomadicus]

I keep scratch separate and not much of it unless it is going to be a bitter cold night. The exercise they get scratching for it does no harm either.

 

[Debbie292d]

I made the mash today & my ducks went hog-wild! Guineas are still acting persnickety, but I believe they snuck back to it later. I have another question for you, is it alright to mix some scratch into their regular pellets, or is it best to keep those things separate? Thanks again for your help.

That's awesome!

I wound up spoiling these here as I have a cross-beak I have to make mash for, so not fair to the rest, I got myself into a morning ritual now of making 7 dishes of mash every morning.

I wouldn't mix scratch into the feed as they'll waste feed and make a mess by scratching around in your feeder to get to it. Been there, done that!

Like @Nomadicus said, we keep it separate and just in small amounts so they can scratch around for it but not fill up much at all from it.

 

[shickenthe2nd]

Yes, but in time they could start coming up with issues as they aren't getting the proper nutrition. They would also not have good immune systems should a virus come through.

Scratch and treats only should be 10% of their daily intake. I'd cut them off from getting anything for treats or scratch until they start eating their feed.

Check the dates on your bags of feed in case they are way expired. If it's by a month or two, I wouldn't be too concerned but more than that, I would be.

One thing you could try to get them to eat it is make them a mash with it in a bowl of some type and mix with water so it's like oatmeal. Ours devour it as if it's a treat.

Since they haven't been eating very healthily, I'd also put Poultry Cell vitamins in their water every other day for a couple of weeks to try to catch them up.

Great news! All ducks and Guineas are eating regular feed very well! I've not given them any treats since my initial post, and they are thriving! I'm going to hold off on scratch & treats for some more time, since I was obviously giving them too much before. I sincerely appreciate your help & suggestions. I can rest easy now and know I'm doing what's best for my birds. Thank you.

 

[shickenthe2nd]

That's awesome!

I wound up spoiling these here as I have a cross-beak I have to make mash for, so not fair to the rest, I got myself into a morning ritual now of making 7 dishes of mash every morning.

I wouldn't mix scratch into the feed as they'll waste feed and make a mess by scratching around in your feeder to get to it. Been there, done that!

Like @Nomadicus said, we keep it separate and just in small amounts so they can scratch around for it but not fill up much at all from it.

Thank you so much for your response. My wee flock is eating regular feed now; there has been no problem since I followed your recommendations. I am so glad to be back to BYC and getting the help I need. Appreciate you.

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you so much for your response. My wee flock is eating regular feed now; there has been no problem since I followed your recommendations. I am so glad to be back to BYC and getting the help I need. Appreciate you.

Awe, thank you! I'm so glad your chickens are doing better!