Medicated chick feed and egg layer chicken feed?

[newchickmom09]

I have posted a few posts and we are watching a friends ducklings right now until they make something to keep them in. Well I told the owner they need food. All we have is medicated chick feed and egg layer chicken feed since all we have owned is chickens. I don't think they really should be eating these feeds that we have. I have read and been told the medicated chick feed in bad for them and would rather not chance it. Also I was thinking that the layer feed isn't supposed to be given to baby chicks because of the calcium or protein or someting or other, so why would it be ok for ducklings. The owners gave me some old hot dog buns and old tomatoes.

I really don't think this is ok to be feeding these little growing ducklings.

Should we just get them some of the right feed from our feed store or is stuff like this ok?

 

[Dances with Ducks]

What dummies!

Think you need to buy the right stuff and give them the bill.
Tell them you don't want to watch the ducklings growing up sick and deformed.

 

[newchickmom09]

I was thinking the same thing. I just wanted some assurance so I could back up buying them the RIGHT food for them to eat.

 

[Dances with Ducks]

It would be a little research project but you could print up info from a lot of places that explains how bad feeding hot dog buns to ducks (and especially ducklings) are and what the correct diet is. Hand that to them with the reciept for the feed.

 

[newchickmom09]

I think I just might do that. If they are going to take these little ducks back then I want to make sure they understand they are not just like the ducks at the parks you can throw bread to and they are happy.

 

[10ducks]

The chick starter will be ok for them. No medicated feeds used to be standard advice, but the type of medication in chick starter has changed, and it is now safe for ducklings. Good luck with them.

 

[newchickmom09]

Really, so the medicated chick feed is ok? It is the Nutrena brand chick starter crumble medicated.

 

[JessHall]

Humm, I've always been told no medicated feed but if that has changed then that's great news!

Good luck with the "friends"

 

[Dances with Ducks]

What kind of medication is in the feed? We know Amprolium is OK and there may be some others, I am no expert but others on here have some knowledge on this.

 

[babyspice35]

Hmmm, since you said you're watching a friends ducklings, perhaps you should buy the cheapest, smallest package of feed from the store, and offer it as a gift. It would be like a polite slap in the face for them... they would probably feel guilty and research it more.

All the while never jeopardizing your friendship