help feeding baby ducks

[Lacrystol]

Well in all honesty the first day I did give them chicken starter medicated, then I decided to ask questions. The lady at the feed store told me if I was to feed them the medicated they would dye within hours. Then on day 2 I switched over to the crumbs and now were on day 3. I went to the feed store today and they had waterfowl crumbs. I don't know if it's a starter type food or not but I picked some up. They don't seem to enjoy it as much as the chicken stuff but OH Well. I probably have them soo confused right now they don't know what the heck they are going to eat next.. I will pick up some maggots and waxworms from the fish store on friday, I give my chickens this every week as a treat. AND THEY KNOW IT TOO. They see me carring the blue container filled with waxworm, chickens come from everywhere..... So I guess I can include them into the treat feast. I guess I should ask before I do it though are waxworms and maggots good for ducks? I don't want to hear horror stories how they eat the insides out or nothing. YEK.... So right now I have waterfowl crumbles, its has 20% protein in it. So I hope this is a good choice..

 

[dianaross77]

I think waxworms in moderation and only given as a treat would be fine. I know they aren't as nutritionally sound as other insects. Crickets and mealworms are good choices. Some people have issues with maggots because of the diet they eat (rotting flesh) that might be different if they are commercially raised. I believe I read somewhere that people had chickens die from eating maggots but you'd have to do further research on that.

 

[1234duck]

You really don't want/need treats at such a young age b/c their "feed is most important" for them, it has all the healthy things they need in it. If you read the list of treats for ducks and the ages given for those treats its very helpful.}} Its true about you can't always listen to what they say at the feed store, i had the same problem. We assume they know whats right, and maybe they should know. lol chick starter worked great for my ducklings and still does. I now also am using "Start & Grow" by Purenia the back of the bag shows the different stages of when to feed & what to feed. Some times gets a little confusing. Good luck, ~Julie