Layer feed...??

[rubberduckies]

My ducks are 14 weeks old. (4 girls and 1 boy). I'm almost out of their food. I have enough to last maybe 5 more days. So I went to TSC to get another bag but I accidentally got layer feed. TSC doesn't do returns so what should I do? I'd like to use it now but they aren't laying yet. And I worry about my boy getting too much calcium. Would it be bad to give it to them anyway even if they will start laying soon? I mean, I wouldn't normally but.., there are some people who give layer feed to their ducks and drakes so if its safe enough for the drakes to eat if they have to them it should be ok for the ducks to start eating a little early, right? Idk. I need some advice.

 

[Amiga]

Wish I had an answer that I like on this one.

In my case, Bean (drake) is stuck eating layer feed with the flock because I have too many ducks who need extra calcium or they get soft eggs. And unlike it says in the book, and unlike many more sensible ducks, my girls who need extra calcium do not make up for it by eating more free choice oyster shell. Just don't.

On a positive note, there is some conjecture that not all drakes are sensitive to some extra calcium in their diet. You could try (extra work) to give your boy some special treat time with a non-calcium treat, to fill him up on some of that and reduce his total calcium % intake.

Holderread wrote to start ducks on extra calcium a month before they start laying. In our case, I guessed right and when they started playing hop on top it was about four weeks before they started to lay.

 

[shicks0211]

It won't hurt them..ive given it to all my ducks, drakes and hens both several times..they're all healthy and fine..no worries.

 

[Amiga]

It won't hurt them..ive given it to all my ducks, drakes and hens both several times..they're all healthy and fine..no worries.

I love reading this, shicks0211, since I felt I did not have any perfect choices for Beanie Boy. He's an alright drake. A little nuts sometimes, but Hazel and Carmella seem very fond of him.

He's a real looker, too. Even non-duck people remark about him.

 

[rubberduckies]

Thank you! This makes me feel so much better about having to give them all layer feed now.

 

[rubberduckies]

Holderread wrote to start ducks on extra calcium a month before they start laying.  In our case, I guessed right and when they started playing hop on top it was about four weeks before they started to lay.

"Hop on top" hahahaha! I like that. And funny that you say that because just yesterday I was watching them play in the pool and noticed Darwin jump on top of Quacker and just kinda stay there for a few minutes. At the time I was just like "what is that crazy duck doing?" But now that I think about it.... He was probably figuring out how to make babies. Lol.