In need of alternatives to feeding Mixed Corn and Layers Pellets.

[smishi]

Hi everyone,

Im feeding my six Call ducks on mixed corn and layers pellets, and they gobble up the layers but its quite expensive, and seems a waste of money to keep them on it whilst they aren't laying, but they only eat the actual dried sweetcorn out of the mixed corn, so most of it is wasted.

Please can I have any suggestions of any alternatives to mixed corn if there are any, bearing in mind my ducks are very fussy and won't even touch a lot of treats/ food that other ducks like.

Im also worried that they aren't getting enough food/ nutrition out of the mixed corn if they are only picking at it.

ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated

Thank you

 

[Ameraucanas]

http://www.callducks.net/looking_after_calls.htm
I hope this will help! If it does not, please let me know. Good luck!

 

[HeritageGoose13]

So you are mixing the corn with the pellets, and they only eat the corn? Is that right? But you don't want to feed just layer because it is expensive... is that it?

I've been researching duck and chicken feeds, some people make their own and say it is cheaper. Would you be interested in something like that?

Otherwise, see if you can buy grower pellets, those are sometimes cheaper or more expensive depending on area. If you have something to grind the corn into small pieces, you could do that and pour it over the pellets... they may or may not eat it that way.

 

[smishi]

No Im giving it to them in separate feeders so they have access to both.
Yes that did help a bit thank you
Yes I'm open to making my own as long as its not too time consuming lol!

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Okay well in my signature is a thread where I posted some feed recipes- those were mostly meant for chickens but I think they would be okay for ducks too, if they are outside sometimes and get extra nutrients.

And here I found a recipe for duck food but I am not sure if it is any good or not. I asked for opinions but no one answered yet. Here it is: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1005571/what-is-everyones-opinions-on-this-duck-feed-recipe

Some of the recipes are pretty simple looking, others are more complicated so look through them well.

Also, if by any chance you have access to lots of cheap potatoes, in one of my duck-keeping books it says ducks can have up to 60% of their diet in potatoes and still be healthy, but the potatoes have to be boiled first. So that would be time-consuming for most people, but thought I would mention it.

 

[smishi]

Thank you so much for your help, I shall have a thorough look through and maybe become a duck food chef!

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Cool, I hope you find some sort of solution!

 

[Amiga]

I find my Runners really enjoy wheat seeds I have soaked for a day.

The time between laying seasons I like to continue layer feed because in my flock, I have seen evidence of them getting depleted of some nutrients especially calcium - so I consider it a build-back-up time.

I have not tried this yet, but here is a suggested recipe.

http://joybileefarm.com/gmo-free-animal-feed-for-your-homestead-critters/

Mother Earth News has published a couple of articles on feeding your home flock.