niacin?

[DuckLover3]

Well, I've had ducks for 3 years now, and until a little while ago, had never heard of ducks needing niacin......I've done so much research and reading on ducks before and since I've had them that I'm really kicking myself for missing this crucial detail.

The only thing is, I was reading about it on the Metzer website (http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-my-ducklings-leg-problems-due-to.html) and my ducks don't have any of the problems that a niacin deficiency causes according to them.....They're lively and happy......Do they pick it up foraging? Since they seem healthy, does that mean they're getting it somewhere else and I don't need to give them any extra? Or should I still start providing them with it?

Thank you!

 

[mnferalkitty]

They get niacin from plants they eat while foraging, if they are niacin deficient it means they aren't gettin niacin from plants or other food sourses. If you are feeding them chicken feed that usualy has niacin in it and if you let them forage they get niacin from plants

 

[jdywntr]

I think the emphasis is put on providing a niacin supplement because many people don't have a duck or waterfowl feed available near them and they also may not be able to allow birds to forage.
I look at niacin as a precautionary measure. Now that my birds are able to spend more time on pasture, i don't always add niacin but if one were to begin showing problems, I would immediately add niacin daily.
I think alot of the time supplements are needed depending on circumstance. When I was in Florida, I never supplemented calcium to my laying birds or fed laying rations and the eggs were always fine.
Just my 2 cents and I'm no expert. I wouldn't worry if its been 3 years with no problems. Just being aware of remedies if needed is very important.