Niacin Deficiency in Waterfowl

[Ratchnick]

I am currently putting b complex n my ducklings water. They drink it just fine, but its easy to miss a duck unless its in all their water all day long. With 14 ducks its pretty difficult to dose each one every day but if i had just a few i would put it over a small portion of feed and dose each one individually.

 

[2pek]

Would the complex be suffice in adding to some treats for preventative measures? How often should I give it to them? Both pekins are only 4 weeks old.

 

[Isaac 0]

Would the complex be suffice in adding to some treats for preventative measures? How often should I give it to them? Both pekins are only 4 weeks old.

What are the birds being fed as their main diet?

 

[2pek]

Right now chick starter/grower. We also give them peas/mealworms as treats and allow them some time in the backyard to forage and swim.

 

[Isaac 0]

Right now chick starter/grower. We also give them peas/mealworms as treats and allow them some time in the backyard to forage and swim.

If that's what you are feeding they would definitely need a source of niacin, the B complex should be sufficient, I would give them around 1ml each every few days over treats/feed. If you switch them to a feed intended for waterfowl, you wouldn't have to give the complex as often.

 

[2pek]

Awesome! I have them in the brooder with some chickens, so I have them all on the same food. I'll be sure to switch them to the proper feed once they go into their coop.

 

[Isaac 0]

All Flock Feed, Purina Rasier Feed, or Mazuri would be fine for both ducks and chickens.

 

[paraisomistfarms]

HUGE rookie question: do ducks need supplemental niacin just as they grow, or do you need to supply it for their entire life?

Thanks!

 

[Miss Lydia]

What breed? Pekins could probably benefit their entire lives something like Nutritional yeast sprinkled over their feed 2-3 times a week just for support of their legs. I have Runners Buffs and Muscovy and mine get Nutritional yeast 1X a week now that they are all adults.

 

[paraisomistfarms]

Oh that's great to know! Right now they're on a duck specific formula, which I assume contains sufficient niacin for their age (6 weeks). When I mix them with my chickens and put them on an all-flock feed I will be sure to top it up with some nutritional yeast a few times a week!