My ducks are coming tomorrow!

[PATOS]

I was able to get 10 female and 2 male Indian Runners. That is not easy in Chile- I can get Pekins and Muscovys and a breed call English Duck ??? anyway...
These first 12 are 4 weeks old.
I was told to feed them a mix of crushed and powdered wheat with water???

comments please

 

[PirateGirl]

This is so exciting! I'm not sure what you have access to in terms of feed, but ducklings grow incredibly fast, so nutrition is extra important for development. Wheat has nutritional value for ducks, but I don't think it will offer them everything they need on its own. Do you have access to any sort of commercial poultry feed where you are at? If you let us know your options we can certainly help you figure out which one might be best for ducklings.

 

[Kkrista123]

https://runnerduck.net/feeding.php

Duck starter crumbs alone should only be used for 2 weeks maximum. Gradually introduce some duck grower pellets, with a lower protein content, until the ducklings are happy with 100% grower-size pellets.

NEVER FEED DRY FOOD WITHOUT WATER. DRY CRUMBS WILL SWELL UP INSIDE THE DUCKLING WHEN IT DOES DRINK, AND IT WILL DIE.

Note that the protein content of 15% (for growers) is still too high. Runners can develop rough wings if they are forced too quickly on high protein food. Introduce wheat into the diet by 5 weeks—and provide grit. You can raise wheat to 50% of the diet by 10 weeks.

Runner ducklings need space and exercise to develop strong legs. Do not 'hot house' them too much but do protect them from wet weather. They have fluffy backs until up to 5–6 weeks old.

Continue with duck grower pellets and wheat (50:50) until they are 16 weeks-old. Then switch to a layer ration. Young ducks can come into lay at 24 - 26 weeks (occasionally even earlier) and will then need layers' pellets. Drakes can move on to more wheat in the diet after 16 weeks.

This is a really good website to check out with lots of great info!

 

[PATOS]

LOOK

please look at this and translate if needed- I have lived in Chile 6 years and I still do not read Spanish well- lol

https://articulo.mercadolibre.cl/MLC-461768624-alimento-gallina-ponedora-sin-harina-de-pescado-envio-gratis-_JM?quantity=1

 

[PirateGirl]

I looked at your link and it looks like feed for layers, which may be good in another month or so, but if you can find something that is "grower" or even "starter" it would probably be better for them at this age. I found this product on the same website...

https://articulo.mercadolibre.cl/ML...ckyard-chicken-feed-grower-for-_JM?quantity=1

 

[Kkrista123]

You'll want a duck starter feed if possible

 

[PATOS]

I looked at your link and it looks like feed for layers, which may be good in another month or so, but if you can find something that is "grower" or even "starter" it would probably be better for them at this age. I found this product on the same website...

https://articulo.mercadolibre.cl/ML...ckyard-chicken-feed-grower-for-_JM?quantity=1

thanks!!!

 

[PATOS]

Th mom and dad

They are on the bus from Chillian Chile to Villarrica Chile!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are beautiful. I know your excited to get them home!! How long a bus ride?

 

[casportpony]