How many pounds of feed will ducks go through...

[leighton3]

Hi everyone,

I could use some help...I'm expecting 4 ducklings and 2 chicks next week. I've been thinking I would like to order 1 more duckling, but I'm not sure. Could anyone give me an estimate on how many pounds of food 5 ducks would go through a month?

Thank you!

 

[mominoz]

What size ducks will they be? Storeys guide to ducks says bout 1/4 -1/3lb. for light ducks, up to 1/3-2/3 lb. for a larger duck . Mini-ducks, calls .10-.15 lbs. Feed for ducks needs to be in the 12-16% range. If raising babies you can start with the higher protein, but need to switch out at 3 weeks or cut it with rolled oats(flattened). You can get leg and wing problems if you keep them on higher protein that they make for some chickens.Some are more at risk than others. Don't forget to sprinkle tiny lettuce or grass clippings in their water, and chick grit on food .
That said, feed consumption can increase when temps drop, laying, molting etc....

 

[leighton3]

Thank you! Welsh Harlequin, Cayuga, Black Swedish, and Blue Swedish are what I'm definitely getting, and those are larger ducks? If I get one more, it will be an Ancona. So is it safe to think 1 50 pound bag would last me a month (in spring/summer at least?)

 

[mominoz]

They are medium ducks- 2- 3 lbs a day X 30...maybe a bit more than one bag....depends on if they get to forage or you give them some scraps....

 

[leighton3]

I did the math right after and was like oops, probably more like 2 bags! Yeah they will be free range when I am able to be out with them and they will have scraps and treats so I'm not too worried!

 

[dennin7418]

All of it

 

[newfoundland]

My large Aylesbury ducks eat about 6 to 8 oz of food a day each. they do lay prolifically and are rather on the large side though.

 

[cosbackyard]

My three medium-sized campbells only go through 25 pounds a month or so. They do free range alot, though.

 

[leighton3]

Thanks! 25 pounds isn't bad! Mine will be able to free range everyday, just not all day.