How long do you feed Mazuri starter for Duckling & Goslings?

[LisaB0922]

I am expecting a flock of 9 ducks and 2 geese next week, and have already bought the Mazuri starter feed for them. I’m worried about the high protein and when they should be switched to a lower protein food. I was originally planning to feed them this starter food until they are transitioned to maintenance at 8 weeks, but I’m worried the high protein will cause angel wing. My other idea is to feed Mazuri for the first 3 weeks which is 20% protein, then change to Kalmbach duck & goose food which is 18% until they are 8 weeks. Does anyone have advice on if this is necessary? When do you transition duckling and goslings off of Mazuri starter?

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Ive used Mazuri for years and don't change them over till 8 weeks or fully feathered. There is no proven connection between protein and angel wing. They need that protein to grow feathers which are made of protein. Mazuri is great feed. My avian vet highly recommends it.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Also my name is Lisa B. Funny

 

[fatty and friends]

i haven't had ducklings in 3 years now, but i'm pretty sure i switched them at about 8 weeks old and they grew up perfectly healthy. my ducks are 3 and 4 years old now, they eat mazuri maintenance

 

[ruthhope]

I am expecting a flock of 9 ducks and 2 geese next week, and have already bought the Mazuri starter feed for them. I’m worried about the high protein and when they should be switched to a lower protein food. I was originally planning to feed them this starter food until they are transitioned to maintenance at 8 weeks, but I’m worried the high protein will cause angel wing. My other idea is to feed Mazuri for the first 3 weeks which is 20% protein, then change to Kalmbach duck & goose food which is 18% until they are 8 weeks. Does anyone have advice on if this is necessary? When do you transition duckling and goslings off of Mazuri starter?

@LisaB0922
Please feed the Mazuri until the ducklings are 8 weeks old and feathered. They need the high protein for healthy growth and development.

Its a myth that too much protein causes angel wing. The only evidence about the cause of angel wing we have is exactly the opposite. Angel wing is far more common in ducks living in public parks or on public waterways where they are fed bread and other nutritionally poor foods by Joe Public. In other words, poor quality diets low in protein and high in carbohydrate are associated with angel wing and not the other way round.

 

[LisaB0922]

Thank you all, I will stick with the original plan. This is my first flock, so I am trying to make sure I do everything right!

 

[freckledfairy]

Thank you all, I will stick with the original plan. This is my first flock, so I am trying to make sure I do everything right!

you can always cut the mazuri starter with some old fashioned oats to slightly decrease the protein content yourself. That way you don’t have to switch feeds!