How to Feed Ducks with Different Nutritional Needs?

[Urban Waddler]

Ok. I know I ask a lot on here, but just when I had duck raising down, we changed our duck dynamic and everything is new and confusing again. I was fortunate that I used to have two girls hatched together, always on the same nutritional regiment. But now I have one adult laying duck, and one month-old duck who I believe is a lady due to random quacks I keep hearing.

My adult lady is fed a layer feed, high in calcium for good egg shell, lower in protein due to her no longer growing, and adult size grit.

My baby duck is fed a grower feed, high in niacin, protein, and much lower in calcium than my adult duck needs.

I have been doing my best to feed them separately, but obviously they both only want what the other is getting. I am keeping them in separate cages at night inside the house, next to each other, and outside together all day. My baby girl is at the age where I’d like them both to sleep in the coop now. But how in the world do I make sure they are both getting what they need, without laborious feeding schedules, where they are shielded from
Each other??? I know people have males and females and different ages together, so how in the world is this done???

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

 

[PirateGirl]

It doesn’t have to be complicated. They can both eat an all flock feed or flock raiser approx. 18% protein. Offer oyster shell and adult grit on the side.

I feed my ducklings, laying ducks, laying chickens, and drake all the same feed all the time.

 

[chickens really]

I never feed layer to any birds and feed a Grower finisher feed at 16% once babies are 4 weeks old. I supply Oyster shell in a separate dish to layers. I hatch my eggs so don't want to hard of shells anyways. My feed is all flock for a Chicken, Duck, Turkey and Geese.

 

[Urban Waddler]

It doesn’t have to be complicated. They can both eat an all flock feed or flock raiser approx. 18% protein. Offer oyster shell and adult grit on the side.

I feed my ducklings, laying ducks, laying chickens, and drake all the same feed all the time.

This makes sense. I am overly paranoid about nutrition as my sweet baby, Whitebeard, passed away several weeks ago from complications related to reproductive disease. My vet recommended feeding my girls mazuri from now on. Baby duck loves it, Adult duck (Loretta) is not so sure. I am willing to spend more money and time to make sure I get this right, as I don’t have a small farm or a large flock. I have just the two ducks, and like I said, I’m still overwhelmed with grief for Whitebeard and wondering what I could have done to prevent the fast onset of her disease.

 

[PirateGirl]

This makes sense. I am overly paranoid about nutrition as my sweet baby, Whitebeard, passed away several weeks ago from complications related to reproductive disease. My vet recommended feeding my girls mazuri from now on. Baby duck loves it, Adult duck (Loretta) is not so sure. I am willing to spend more money and time to make sure I get this right, as I don’t have a small farm or a large flock. I have just the two ducks, and like I said, I’m still overwhelmed with grief for Whitebeard and wondering what I could have done to prevent the fast onset of her disease.

Awe. It’s not your fault. Reproductive issues and infection, unfortunately, are pretty common in backyard flocks. There’s not much that can be done, and often by the time the birds show symptoms it’s progressed too far for us to save them. Mazuri has a good reputation. I haven’t used it myself because they do not carry that brand at my local store.

 

[Urban Waddler]

Awe. It’s not your fault. Reproductive issues and infection, unfortunately, are pretty common in backyard flocks. There’s not much that can be done, and often by the time the birds show symptoms it’s progressed too far for us to save them. Mazuri has a good reputation. I haven’t used it myself because they do not carry that brand at my local store.

Thank you. You’re probably right. It’s just hard losinga feathered friend.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Awe. It’s not your fault. Reproductive issues and infection, unfortunately, are pretty common in backyard flocks. There’s not much that can be done, and often by the time the birds show symptoms it’s progressed too far for us to save them. Mazuri has a good reputation. I haven’t used it myself because they do not carry that brand at my local store.

That's right I have one runner girl that is 2 and we are always dealing with the egg bound issues. I'm not about to opt for a hysterectomy and am doing the best I can with calcium gluconate

 

[Lilduckielover]

I am having a similar concern . I have a duckling I'm trying to save as I'm not sure what I may or may not be doing wrong I'm trying to prevent the lil guy from dying. My duckling won't grow and hasn't pooped in a few days and I'm scared. I don't know what I'm doing wrong .

 

[DuckyDonna]

I am having a similar concern . I have a duckling I'm trying to save as I'm not sure what I may or may not be doing wrong I'm trying to prevent the lil guy from dying. My duckling won't grow and hasn't pooped in a few days and I'm scared. I don't know what I'm doing wrong .

Can you please post a picture of it, tell us how old it is, what you are feeding it and we'll get you help. We just need a bit more information.

One thing I know you will be told to do is to get some B-complex and get it started on that ASAP. (If you could post your location on your profile it would be great too. It really helps in times like this). You can get the B-complex at Tractor Supply if you have one near you. It will be in with the cattle section and the bottle will look like this picture. 1 ml over something you know the little one loves to eat. It is amazing stuff and will help. It's always good to have on hand.

 

[Urban Waddler]

I am having a similar concern . I have a duckling I'm trying to save as I'm not sure what I may or may not be doing wrong I'm trying to prevent the lil guy from dying. My duckling won't grow and hasn't pooped in a few days and I'm scared. I don't know what I'm doing wrong .

I’m no expert but I’ve spent a ton of time trying to learn whatever I can. Feel free to message me and we can lenient over what we do and don’t understand. The not pooping thing is pretty concerning. Have you been giving her chick grit? Is her crop hard?