layer feed for young ducks

[Skye727]

I have two ducks that are 11 weeks old and the rest of my chickens and ducks are all laying. Are they too young for layer feed still?

 

[Pyxis]

I wouldn't put them on layer feed yet. The extra calcium in layer feed is bad for chicks and ducklings. They aren't laying and don't need near as much calcium as laying birds do, so the excess builds up and can cause harm. Plus, at 11 weeks, they're still growing, and they require the extra protein that is found in a starter/grower feed.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I wouldn't put them on layer feed yet. The extra calcium in layer feed is bad for chicks and ducklings. They aren't laying and don't need near as much calcium as laying birds do, so the excess builds up and can cause harm. Plus, at 11 weeks, they're still growing, and they require the extra protein that is found in a starter/grower feed.

X2 - instead, feed your entire flock a grower ration/flock-raiser/all-flock feed and offer free choice calcium in the form of oyster shell that can be consumed by your actively laying birds as they desire.