Help! Duck food? Chick food?

[chickschool]

Why do my chicks seem to prefer my duckling food? And, what do I do when the chicks begin eating layer food? Can the ducks eat that or do they need their own?

 

[chickschool]

Anyone?

 

[SilkieMomma]

I'm not really sure. I have been feeding my new chicks and duckling the same feed. So far they all seem okay.

 

[chickschool]

Is yours medicated?

 

[Lollipop]

Well people, it`s like this. Waterfowl should have around 30% protein in their waterfowl starter feed. You can feed this to chicks for a few weeks, but that much protein will cause chicks to grow rapidly and lead to joint problems like broilers experience. By the same token, waterfowl can eat regular chick starter (about 20% usually), but slow growth will be the result and adults can be smaller than normal also. So there it is, your choice. That`s why feed companies make different kinds of feed...........Pop

 

[chickschool]

Well, if that's the case I will continue to feed them side by side, separated by a cage, then allow them to interact afterwards. But again...what do I do about feeding them when they are older?

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Once they`re grown, they should be able to get along on 20% protein, especially if the ducks are allowed to free range (?). You will find that ducks, or ducklings, in confinement, are exceptionally messy and require a huge run to stay somewhat clean. I`ve always been blessed with enough room and a lake to let mine free range, which is ideal. Hope you have a similar settup.........Pop