My neighbor doesn't feed his ducks

[Miss Lydia]

If they look healthy then they are most likely doing fine. Especially in a tropical environment, lots of goodies lurking in and around the property.

I'd have a hard time not supplementing with some kind of feed though just as insurance they are getting all they need. But since Muscovy are tropical and not as dependent on humans since they aren't from mallard derived and not human developed they can most likely live off the land very well. Our Mallard derived domestic ducks def need supplemented with feed.

 

[johntfs]

Production will be much better if you feed them a balanced diet. If they can forage in a wheat field or something I can see them getting enough food.

Figure the main point of feed is to mimic the nutrition ducks would get in the wild but can't because they're confined to a relatively small area (coop/yard as compared to all of nature). As an "if it's not broke, don't fix it" move, neighbor guy is pretty genius.

 

[AllenK RGV]

If they are roaming the rice fields eating snails it sounds like a win for everyone, the ducks, the neighbor and the rice farmers for the pest/fertilizer removals and additions.

 

[chickens really]

Mallard derived Ducks are just as self sufficient If given the proper forage.

 

[Miss Lydia]

If they are roaming the rice fields eating snails it sounds like a win for everyone, the ducks, the neighbor and the rice farmers for the pest/fertilizer removals and additions.

I agree can't ask for better than that.