Natures Cafe Layer Pellets

[CarleeAnn]

The above food is stated for “backyard egg producers”, I always assumed it would be fine for ducks. I would just like confirmation.

 

[Bridger Davis]

What age of ducks? It sure seems like a lot of protein to me for adult ducks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Purina Flock Raiser is 20% protein and a lot of members feed it to their ducks geese chickens etc.

 

[Bridger Davis]

When they are full grown!?! I though adults were only supposed to get like 16% protein??

 

[CarleeAnn]

Metzer farm suggests 17.5%. What could be consequences of too much protein?

 

[Bridger Davis]

OK let's break it down. Are you feeding ducks and drakes or just ducks? If you have drakes, this has too much calcium. Drakes or ducks that aren't in lay require only about 1% calcium and too much could cause Kidney failure. Also, what age of ducks are you feeding this too? Anyways, too much protein can cause leg problems. If I were you, I would stick with a feed with about 16-17% protein. But that's just me.

 

[CarleeAnn]

Just two girls, almost 8 months. Next time they run low on feed I’ll transition them to a lower protein diet if I can find it.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Ok. They will be fine for that time.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Before I changed feed to a Non GMO I used Purina Flock Raiser for years. Never had any problems with it I am pretty sure other use it too @Ravynscroft ? The reason I liked it was it is formulated for all poultry which is nice when you have a mixed flock.

 

[Ravynscroft]

That is an absolutely fine feed for ducks! And @Miss Lydia is correct, I use Purina Flock Raiser 20% protein for all ages, no problem... and drakes even eat layer feed, without issues as well...

Problems with too much protein is when it is in the higher range of 20's, 20% is actually my optimal, especially for young ducks and molting ducks, I wouldn't feed lower %...

Leg problems are from not enough Niacin, since most feeds formulated for chickens doesn't have enough for ducks... but the flock raiser contains higher amounts, I have only seen issues when the ducks themselves as individuals have a need for extra higher Niacin... but at several months old, those ducks should be just fine...