Need advice on feeding my ducklings...

[Mothersclucker]

I recently became a mom to 8 ducklings that I hatched. They are all doing so well but I would love input on how much to feed them. They seem to eat quite a lot it seems. My boys even mentioned how 'fat' they look when they lay down and their 'breasts' seem all poofed out. If that makes sense. My question is do I need to feed them unlimited 24/7 or should I feed them 'X' many times a day? I use the starter crumbles for them and they always have plenty of water...and if they happen to run out they sure do let me know. They are Mallards if that matters.

But any feeding advice would be greatly appreciated for this first time duck mom.

Thanks!!

 

[Amiga]

Hi!

For the first couple of months, 24/7 food with water. They have so much growing to do!
@Mothersclucker

 

[TLWR]

These babies grow so quick, so best to leave them food 24/7. Which means making sure there is always water for them as well.
Once they are mostly full grown, you can cut back.

I have food available all the time for my ducks and they eat when they want. When running the yard, they run back into the pen, grab a mouthful of food and then run back out again.

 

[Mothersclucker]

Thank you both! That was what I thought but since I have never raised ducks before I felt I should ask. In the first few weeks I've had them they have grown so quick. So much faster than the chickens and they like to tell me when they run out of things.

 

[Amiga]

Oh, I think between day 2 and day 3 their little legs grew half an inch, no exaggeration!

Have you seen this?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711