Is 25% too high? Angel wing maybe?

[Wifezilla]

I would LOVE a definitive study on this.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Can you tell anything from my pics?

 

[CityChicker]

No, from your pics I do not see any signs of angel wing. That is my interpretation of the photos and I am not a vet. Are you talking about the prominent feathers emerging on the wings? If so, those just look to me like blood feathers, aka growing feathers with a significant blood supply going to them. The flight feathers can look quite prominent when they are in that stage.

As far as the 28% protein, I would not feed it. My experience with my ducks is that it is not a good idea. Whenever I have fed a higher protein feed (and not even as high as 28%), problems have developed. It is not just angel wing that may be a problem with higher protein. When I tried a 24% starter, I had a few birds that died with no symptoms (possibly kidney problems?) and a couple that developed roached backs. When I have fed lower protein, I have not had any of these issues.

Of course, these are my personal observations, not a scientific study. The ultimate best way to raise waterfowl, in my opinion, is to give them as much space as possible and an extremely varied diet. Ducks that are allowed to free range and forage almost always seem to be in the best condition.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Thank you!!

 

[Wifezilla]

Ducks that are allowed to free range and forage almost always seem to be in the best condition.

 

[LilRalphieRoosmama]

Just got back from TSC with the 15% grower. Thank you all!

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Quote:
Dog food is not recommended but a high quality cat food is. I belong to a yahoo group called Pet Ducks R Us. There is a wonderful gentleman named William who has answered every duck question I have had. I love the group, its helped me tremendously.

Laurie

 

[shelleyd2008]

Mrs. Turbo :

Quote:
for ducklings you need to drop to 15% by week 4 to help prevent angel wing. I would feed the 15% grower.

Really? I fed mine 20% flock raiser from hatch until they were like 4 or 5 months old, no angel wing here. I thought only geese got that?​

 

[Wifezilla]

Ducks can get angel wing. While excess protein is blamed, I do not believe that is the cause. Angel wing happens A LOT in ducks feed bread, crackers, etc... at ponds. They are NOT being fed protein. They are being fed carbohydrates in the form of sugars and starches. In the wild, young ducks spend their days eating worms, grubs, aquatic insects, larvae, and lots of greens. The bugs and worms are VERY high in protein. SOme of the aquatic plants are too. What they are not eating in the wild is corn, soy, wheat, etc...

I would not worry about feeding high protein feed as long as your ducks are also getting greens.

 

[pirtykitty]

Tennessee,
isn't William great!!!! I'm on pet ducksrus also... he has been a life saver more than once..