Is a 15 way chicken scratch good enough to give ducks all the nutrition they need?

[Ccochran]

Have an adult Peking Duck whom I think may be low in Niacin. She eats a 15 way chicken scratch. We feed this daily to our chickens and ducks. They also get greens, 5 grain seeded bread, variety of nuts, cheerios, granola, blueberries in a mix I make up for all of our chickens and ducks, on a regular basis. I just don't know if this is providing the adequate vitamins and minerals a duck needs. Also, does anyone know: can a duck get too much niacin? Thx for any help on this. Have had chickens for almost 20 years. But, these ducks are new to me. Have only had ducks for about a year now. Still trying to learn about them and their problematic issues.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I would say its not enough if they are penned up ducks, but with that being said if they are in a pond theyll find most of what they need in nature. The pekins we usta have at the pond only got a little cracked corn a few days a week and they found their own food the rest of the time. They were healthy, plump, and laid lots of eggs

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I would cut all that out and feed an all flock provide calcium options on the side for layers. Add nutritional yeast for the ducks. If having issues then opt for a liquid super b complex. I don't see a true source of niacin listed above. The diet posted isn't really recommended for chickens or ducks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

 

[JustCallMeMaple]

Just chicken scratch as food is not enough, scratch is not a balanced diet it is an extra on the side. I personally feed an all flock, free oyster shell always available and of course food scraps when there are some, scratch and worms are junk food more for them. Just empty calories.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/nutritional-yeast-vs-brewers-yeast.1393856/

These links are a sticky in the duck forum.

 

[Ccochran]

I would cut all that out and feed an all flock provide calcium options on the side for layers. Add nutritional yeast for the ducks. If having issues then opt for a liquid super b complex. I don't see a true source of niacin listed above. The diet posted isn't really recommended for chickens or ducks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

Even a 15 way scratch?

 

[Painted Calls]

Scratch is like candy for ducks and chickens. It is in no way a complete or balanced feed. All scratch is. Whether it be 1 way or 100 way.

I also suggest stopping all of the scratch and treats, and starting a complete balanced diet of Flock Raiser or a similar All Flock feed. Provide oyster shell and grit on the side.

ETA: Read the sticky about niacin in the duck forum. It will help you with your duck's special diet requirements.

 

[DickMidnight]

I think may be low in Niacin.

Even a 15 way scratch?

i’m no duck expert, but i think you answered your own question.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I use a 6way scratch grain to cut the calcium content since the only feed I have available here is starter or layer. Starter is only available during warm months. And since I have drakes and roosters and a gander I don't like just feeding layer. So I mix 3 cups layer to one cup scratch grains. Of course they eat all the scratch out first but by end of the day the layer is gone too. I also put out oyster shells for my layers. I wouldn't feed straight scratch but mixing it in with reg feed or giving out on the ground as a treat isn't going to hurt them. To make sure ducklings/ducks get adequate niacin they need a supplement like Liquid B complex if having leg trouble or Nutritional yeast as preventive. Liquid B Complex dose is 1ml per duck over a tasty treat or 1 Tab of NY over 1 cup of feed.

 

[Ccochran]

Wow! I have learned a lot in a short period of time here. Thanks for all the quick responses. My husband and I have listened to the people at our Farm Supply store, and others in our community who say they have ducks. So, glad I asked you all. Because it sounds like the information we've been getting is not correct. Going to correct their diet immediately. Because I know- You are what you eat!