Layers pellets

[chlozaP]

My ducklings are 4 weeks old and I went to the food suppliers to get them some growers pellets but they told me I had to give them layers pellets! Is it too soon to give them layers pellets? Help!?!

 

[WeeNicole]

Seems soon. Mine are 6-7weeks Still on same feed but im no expert. Hoping someone will answer as im intrigued

 

[TheEggCollecter]

Seems way too early, layer pellets have high amounts of protein and lack niacin. Too much protein can kill a young duckling and too little niacin can also be fatal.

 

[KuroKitsune]

most layer feeds are actually lower in protein then other feeds like starter....most layer is 16% and starter is 18% or more depending on the brand of feed it is.


what layer has to much of that can be deadly for baby duck is calcium...starter has around 1% calcium where as layer has 4% to much calcium does internal damage to the little ones whos bodies have no need for the extra calcium.



most feed store people(most..not all) have no idea what feeds ducks or chickens need at certain ages. Layer is bad for any bird not laying or at point of lay due to the calcium levels please take that bag of layer back and get a bag of starter or grower that isn't medicated


you babies will not need layer till they lay eggs...and being a month old now they may not lay till next year

 

[chlozaP]

Should I put them on growers pellets then?

 

[KuroKitsune]

yes grower pellets till they lay and then layer once you start to get eggs

 

[Going Quackers]

most layer feeds are actually lower in protein then other feeds like starter....most layer is 16% and starter is 18% or more depending on the brand of feed it is.


what layer has to much of that can be deadly for baby duck is calcium...starter has around 1% calcium where as layer has 4% to much calcium does internal damage to the little ones whos bodies have no need for the extra calcium.



most feed store people(most..not all) have no idea what feeds ducks or chickens need at certain ages. Layer is bad for any bird not laying or at point of lay due to the calcium levels please take that bag of layer back and get a bag of starter or grower that isn't medicated


you babies will not need layer till they lay eggs...and being a month old now they may not lay till next year

Exactly! layer is not for birds not laying, to be honest i don't even use layers here i have way to many age variances so i use growers and oyster shell on the side.

here i;ll give the link for the raising ducky thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Exactly! layer is not for birds not laying, to be honest i don't even use layers here i have way to many age variances so i use growers and oyster shell on the side.

here i;ll give the link for the raising ducky thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

X 2 - thought I have chickens and not ducks - I feed a "flock raiser" at all times and offer calcium on the side.

 

[Going Quackers]

X 2 - thought I have chickens and not ducks - I feed a "flock raiser" at all times and offer calcium on the side.

I have chickens too, just duck are the majority. I can go a couple ways here using chicken growers for the ducks or duck growers for them and chicken growers or use multi purpose pellets good for all types(so yes, basically like an all flock/flock raiser)

 

[Sandrachx]

does anyone mix cracked corn with their bagged feed for the ducks? trying to manage feed costs between layers, goats and ducks . . .