How to help duck gain weight

[Daisy and Daffy]

Hi, I have a duck that was attacked by a hawk not too long ago and got a scrape on her bill and under her wing. She’s healed up now, but she has lost some weight (presumably due to the stress) and is a bit thinner than before. She free ranges 12 hours a day, gets plenty of fruit and all the duck food she can eat. Is there anything else I can do to help her gain the weight back?

 

[Bochama]

Hello. Try to incorporate oats and rice in her diet which will help in weight gain.

 

[lost-duckling]

dog food will if feed in addition to duck feeed make for some gigantic ducks. ive got a 9 year old male thats still boss cause hes just so big.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

How long ago was the attack and what % protein is her feed?

 

[Daisy and Daffy]

How long ago was the attack and what % protein is her feed?

Her duck food is 14% protein. The attack was about a week ago.

 

[MGG]

What exact kind of feed does she have?
I just started giving mine this as a treat.
A friend recommended it to me. It would definitely be very good for her and help fatten her up. It also floats so they love dabbling in it.
Only a small amount every now and then though, and make sure she's still eating her regular feed.

 

[Daisy and Daffy]

The exact feed she eats is Mazuri Waterfowl Maintenance with this mixed in. She gets 1/4 cup brown's duck seed with every 6 cups of Mazuri.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Her duck food is 14% protein. The attack was about a week ago.

The best way to put on weight is to increase protein intake by mixing in a higher protein feed that way you are not cutting valuable nutrients. However, a week isn't that long and she might just need more time to slowly put weight back on.

 

[Daisy and Daffy]

Ok. Thank you. Would feeding her some duckling starter as well work?

 

[ruthhope]

I

The best way to put on weight is to increase protein intake by mixing in a higher protein feed that way you are not cutting valuable nutrients. However, a week isn't that long and she might just need more time to slowly put weight back on.

I agree, sick ducks need extra protein in convalescence until they have regained their weight. Certainly 18-20% protein will help and not harm them for a short time. Also giving peas as treats and maybe a scoop of mealie worms in their feed.