Louisiana Duck Owners

[kuntrygirl]

What kind of feed do you feed your ducks and what feed store do you buy your feed from? I feed my ducks cracked corn but I think that cracked corn is not enough. I think they need more nutrients. Especially for the female ducks. Any information would be helpful.

 

[Soccer Mom]

Cracked corn definitely isn't enough nutrition for them. (Texas girl here. Hi neighbor

The girls need a layer feed. They can eat the Chicken layer feed if you don't have waterfowl pellets at a feed store near you.

 

[Willowbrook]

You're right about corn not being adequate nutrition for your ducks.
I feed my ducks, geese, peafowl, guineas and turkeys a crumble and pelleted food called Gamebird Starter/Grower.
It's made by a local company in Ohio by the name of Kalmbach Feeds, but I'm sure there has to be something in your neck of the woods that would be the same type of food. It does come from my local feed store.
It is a 21% protein and all of my birds receive this food from hatch. It is NOT a medicated food.
In addition to this food I feed them wheat, oats, sorghum and some corn during the cold winter months, as I live in snow country.
They are all free range so they have an opportunity to feed on many natural foods and insects every day during the green months.

 

[FenDruadin]

kuntrygirl--do you have Tractor Supply stores down there? They sell a chicken layer pellet by Dumor that is adequate, and far superior to straight corn. In addition to the fact that corn is not nutritionally complete, it is also a "hot" food, which means it generates internal heat for the animal that eats it. Imagine wearing a down coat (like the ducks do year-round) from the top of your head to your toes in August in Louisiana--and you can imagine that "hot" food is not at all what you'd want to be eating!!

Where are you in Louisiana? My roommate from college writes for the Mobile Register (I know, that's Alabama), and she's from New Orleans. Great city! (And I'm not talking about Bourbon Street, which I avoid like the plague)--The music, the friendly smiles, the music, the fun things to do, the music, and the food--wow, the food. And the music.

But I realize that just 'cause you're from Louisiana doesn't mean you're anywhere near New Orleans.

It just brings me happy memories to think about it.

 

[TerriLaChicks]

Hi I'm in central La---I get mine from Petrus Feed & Seed here, they mill their own & it's cheaper. We also have Tractor supply & Roosters (they handle Purina) - I alternate Petrus' grower w/Purina's gamebird ration & they get extra greens & when it's colder, scratch & oats in addition. I like to give them a variety.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Thanks for all of the replies. I will try to answer everyone's questions and will also throw out a few more questions.


1. iamcuriositycat - i'm not aware of a tractor supply in my town but it sounds like TerriLaChicks has one in her town. I will have to get there.

2. I am in Opelousas Louisiana. I'm sure about a good 2 1/2 hours from New Orleans if not further. I haven't been there in a while.

So it sounds like I need to immediately get a different feed. I thought so, but i wanted to ask the experts.

Questions.......
So they need about 20% protein?
It's ok to eat Chicken Layer pellets?
It won't harm them?
And it has to be NON MEDICATED?
Do they have to be a certain age for the Gamebird Starter/Grower or can they eat that at any age? (1 yr old and older)

TerriLaChicks - thanks for the name of your feed store. i will call tomorrow and get prices. sounds like i must make a trip to central la to get some feed.

i am writing down everyone's suggestions and will incorporate these foods into their diet. I feel bad that i have not been giving them the correct food. Listening to these old farmers saying "Give them corn" is a no-no i see.

Thanks for all of the advice. This helps me a lot.

 

[FenDruadin]

Any country-style "feed and seed" store should have a chicken layer pellet that will work fine for you. Do a google search with the name of your town and "feed and seed" and see what it comes up with. As long as it's unmedicated (and most adult bird feeds are), it will be fine.

Starter/grower is fine for young birds, but once they reach maturity they need lower protein. High protein can cause problems, though I don't remember what at the moment.

Don't feel bad. We all make mistakes. The first time I lost ducks to predators, it was because I didn't take their security seriously enough. My fault. But I learned from it, and now my ducks have a high security enclosure.

Good luck!

 

[chickenlittle32]

kuntrygirl, I know there are a few TSC in Breaux Bridge and also Abbeville. I am not sure if there are any closer to you. I feed mine gamebird starter/grower that I get from Double W. Have you tried Ranch Outlet?

Mary

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Oh Breaux Bridge isn't far at all. I could go there on a Saturday. I didn't know there were any TSC stores around us. Where is Double W? Ranch Outlet can be pricey on a few things. I will call a few different feed stores to see who has the best prices.

 

[chickenlittle32]

Double W is near me...IDK if you are familiar...but it is on Ridge Rd. You know where the old Walmart is in Breaux Bridge...that is where the TSC is. I agree about Ranch Outlet...they are high. The cheapest place I found is Double W. (I have called around everywhere.)