How much do they EAT?

[Born A Duck Lover]

Does anyone know how much a single duck eats from when it hatches to when it(she) lay eggs? I am trying to see if I can really afford to purchase a new batch of ducklings before the season is over. If anyone has approximate guesses that would be helpful.

 

[Jeeper1540]

A Lot

 

[Jeeper1540]

lol i;m not sure exactly, but they do eat alot, even with treats

 

[LuckyDuck411]

I have 3 Pekins I got at 3 days old and they are now 16 days. They have gone through about 10lbs of food so far. Plus treats like peas and watermelon and bugs they catch.

 

[Red Maple Farms]

Quote:
From http://www.jphpk.gov.my/English/guidelines_in_rearing_layers_duc.htm

For ducks with bodyweight during lay (between 1.3 - 1.8 kg.)

Age Food Consumption
0 - 4 weeks 1.2 kg. - 1.6 kg.
5 weeks - 22 weeks 11.0 kg - 11.8 kg
22 weeks and above (laying period) 160 to 170 gm per bird per day

From http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/poultry/feeding/nutritional-requirements-ducks

Table 4. Average feed consumption of Pekin ducks (mixed sexes)

Age (weeks) Feed for week (kg) Cumulative feed (kg)
0-1 0.15 0.15
1 0.40 0.55
2 0.75 1.30
3 0.95 2.25
4 1.00 3.25
5 1.30 4.55
6 1.65 6.20
7 1.80 8.00
8 1.60 9.60


After 8 weeks, I assume about 0.2 kg per day of food consumption for pekins until laying age.

 

[Born A Duck Lover]

Red Maple Farms: Wow. You sure know where to find good information!

Thank's so much; this will be very helpful!

 

[Red Maple Farms]

Quote:
Thanks. It is good to see someone thinking like a farmer and analyzing the situation.

If you have a chance, you may want to browse the site http://www.worldpoultry.net/ I find it a fascinating source of information.