Mazuri? Game Bird feed? Make your own?

[CityChicker]

I agree that Mazuri is not worth the price. That is just my opinion. I have studied the ingredients and there is nothing magical in the feed to justify the price, IMHO. The one thing that the Mazuri line has going for it that not many lines have these days is a source of animal protein. We are currently mixing our own feed that we then feed half and half to Layena (because of the expense of our custom mix). We use fish meal in our mix. Really, a small flock owner could just do a little bit of fish meal added to Layena or Flock Raiser and get something very similar to the Mazuri. There are a number of ways really though to get a source of animal protein, but people don't even agree on whether or not that is necessary. There are a number of different feeds you can use and your birds will do great.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Quote:
so true there,
That's why I gave all mine the floating Catfish food as a supplement -treat, makes up for any lacking animal protein aside from that, The Layena is prefect for any duck, Like I said, I raised Eiders, mergansers, goldeneyes, etc on it!!

 

[Amiga]

Mine started on Agway Turkey & Waterfowl, cut with 1 cup rolled oats to 5 cups feed to reduce the 26% protein to closer to 20% (easier on internal organs, etc.)

We switched to Agway Grower feed, still too high in protein, still cut with oats.

Then switched to Nutrena Grower/Maintenance, 16% protein. Based on their health and appearance, this has worked out well.

Starting at about a week old, started feeding salad and the occasional few peas.

Now that it's slug season, they are getting some animal protein

Anyone know if it's okay to feed them jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)?

 

[Brickman House]

Quote:
No, "finisher" isn't scary at all!

All it is, is a lower protein food without calcium in it. Most starters are anywhere between 18-24% protein. The ducks don't need that level of protein for more than a month or so, but they're not ready for layer feed yet (the calcium in the layer feed can cause problems in young birds). So they get grower/finisher, which is usually around 16% protein (same as layer) but without added calcium.

When your ducks get to laying age, you will want to switch them to a layer pellet, because they will need the calcium then. Alternatively, you could keep them on the grower/finisher forever, and just provide free choice calcium in the form of crushed oyster shell.

 

[GrannySue]

I started my hatchlings on 20% chick starter. None of the stuff at our feed store is medicated so that wasn't a problem. Once feathered they got the same old stuff as my chickens i.e. 16% layer pellets, a little bit of scratch, and all the greens and bugs they could forage for. Also, oyster shell from the ocean, hammered into tiny bits by me.
They freerange all day.
All 3 turned out healthy and happy.
Oh, none of our stuff has animal protein either. Federal regs, I think. (Canada)

 

[Brickman House]

Quote:
I have occasionally fed Mazuri to my adult ducks, but I agree with most of the prior posters-- it's not different enough in formulation from plain old layer pellets to justify the cost difference. I discussed the issue with my feed guy, and he says the main difference with Mazuri is that they coat it so that it doesn't dissolve in water, which is apparently a plus for those who feed their flock on the water. I feed my guys from a tub on land, so there's no advantage for me. My adult ducks get layer pellets, same as the hens.

If I could find a ready source for it, I would spring for waterfowl-specific duckling starter, though. I've had a host of vitamin-deficiency related problems with my ducklings in the last couple of years, using a variety of chick/duck starters, and I'm pretty frustrated.

 

[vlapinta]

I feed my duckslings, 3 weeks old, Nutrena game bird starter crumbles. It has 27% protein so I cut the protein at 1-2 weeks with 1 cp oats to 5 cp feed. Now I am cutting the protein with 2 cp oats to 5 cp feed. As soon as I finish this 50# bag I am going to switch to something by Nutrena with less protein. I also give them a bowl full of veggies. They like carrot shreds, peas and kale so far. I am going to start giving them sprouts and grasses soon.
Vicki

 

[brenna]

You're all wonderful!!

Looks like I won't be breaking the bank on having mazuri shipped in. Thanks!

 

[Amiga]

brenna,

Since this is along the lines of the topic, may I toss something in, here?

Brickman House wrote something I have been thinking of doing. Rather than search out a layer feed, I am thinking that, about three or four weeks before the ducks are likely to start laying, setting out some oyster shell free choice, and adding some crushed cat kibble to their ration, during laying season.

I had also thought I would add some cat kibble in the coldest part of winter for a protein and calorie boost.

Anyone tried this? I use Wellness and Eagle Pack cat foods, which are supposed to be pretty good quality.

 

[chickboss]

Amiga~

I just read something about that somewhere. Sounds reasonable, and if cost effective, I was going to try it myself. However, I wonder if buying layer pellets won't end up being the cheapest route with good results. If you can remember (because I think ours may start laying around the same age) you could pm me and let me know how your girls do on it. I'm going to look into it more. BTW, I love following the progress of your little flock because ours are so close in age