Never raised ducks and they will be hatching in 2 weeks

[McGoo]

I've raised chickens before, but we are planning on raising some chicks, ducks and turkeys. There won't be many of each, so I'm concerned about the differences and want to be sure they are all safe and getting what they need.
I spoke with an expert related to feed and now know that wet mash is best for the ducks...with a little niacin, but I don't know what else I need to be aware of... I do know that the ducklings will want to swim and that chicks will easily drown...
Appreciate any help. Thanks all!

Colleen

 

[QuackSpeak]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/256233/ducks-sticky-topics-index

Here ya go! I would scroll down and read Raising and Caring for Ducklings, lots of good advice there. What breeds are you getting, and how many? Ducklings can drown too, because they A) get trapped, or B) get too cold. Many people put rocks or marbles in their waterer, to discourage ducklings from swimming unsupervised. Hope this helps! Just ask if you have any other questions (Though I'm afarid that I'll only be helpful in regards to ducks..).

 

[Ashleymarie529]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings/0_100

Here's another highly informative thread!!

 

[Ashleymarie529]

Feed your flock Purina Flock Raiser Crumbles designed for chickens, ducks, and turkeys with plenty of Niacin so you won't have to add any. Mash it if you want but this is the best stuff and you only have to buy one feed type for all your poultry!! Highly recommend it, it's what I use for my ducks and chickens. Most people on here use it and it is amazing. Otherwise you have 3 different feeds and that gets pricey and annoying.

I sound like a commercial...

Don't buy separate duck, chicken, and turkey feed! Come on over to Tractor Supply and try Flock Raiser by Purina, TODAY!!

 

[TinyBirds]

I agree. Flock raiser crumbles are what we use too.

 

[McGoo]

Thank you all for advice. This will really help. Does Purina carry an organic version of this starter? I know a lot of people don't care about it, but i really do. I will save my pennies and travel far for pesticide free local grain.
Colleen

 

[Ashleymarie529]

Yeah they do.

 

[Ducks4us]

Yeah they do.

Scratch grains are very different from starter feed... i dont know if maybe you put up the wrong pic. But dont want to get that confused with starter crumble.
Scratch grains are to be used as treats. Not a main diet.

 

[Ashleymarie529]

Oh oops! That's not the pic I meant to screenshot! Hold on let me find it again

 

[Ducks4us]

Yes there is organic starter feed tho. Im not sure i have ever seen organic all flock feed . Not at my stores anyway. Prob could order it.