Not to ruffle feathers, but why chick food?

[Amanda39]

My eggs haven't even hatched yet, they are due in the next 2-4 days. However, I already have their brooder, Brinsea heat plate, bedding, food and water dishes and organic duckling food and grow gel ready. I don't understand why many people just starting off with duckilings are not buying duckling food, but rather medicated chick feed. Why, would you buy duckilings, or hatch eggs and not have duckling food ready?

I can understand if it was understand if it's last minute and everything came together at the last minute, but really? If you are raising waterfowl, buy waterfowl food. Why chick feed?

I'm not trying to be mean or insult anyone, but I just don't understand. I simply go to the website, and order duckling food and vitamins.

 

[Speceider]

Because in a lot of places duck starter is not available so we have to make due with what we can get.

Clint

 

[Amanda39]

So, you are unable to order on line? I'm not being mean, please don't think that, I'm truly curious?

 

[Speceider]

And pay shipping.....with just a little knowledge one can duplicate duck starter for much less than shipping...


Clint

 

[flynntheduck]

I am using unmedicated chick crumbles that specifically say it's ok for ducks and chicks (and others). I'm sure lots of other duck parents do the same. They are growing and healthy so what's it matter? I do add niacin to the water also.

 

[mamalynnx]

Shipping on feed is incredibly ridiculous. I have been using organic/non gmo non medicated chick starter for my ducklings and add brewers yeast to it for the extra niacin. They gobble it up and are very healthy and growing every day it seems!

 

[CHchickie86]

Waterfowl feed is not available in my area on a regular basis, especially a starter or grower formula. Shipping the feed is not very convenient, the feed store and chick feed (or Flock Raiser) are just around the corner for a fraction of the price.

 

[Amanda39]

Ok, that makes sense! Like I said, not trying to be rude, simply curious! As expensive as gas is right now for my truck, shipping to me seems less expensive than driving. However, if you live closer to your suppiler, it makes sense.


My closest supplier is https://plus.google.com/115871251135931676753/about?gl=us&hl=en

However, they offer no water fowl food, only medicated chick feed, that's why I searched the net!

 

[Speceider]

Just curious, how much are you using per week, at 100+lbs/week shippings adds up quickly....I am 6 miles from a feed store....but no duck rations.

Clint

 

[flynntheduck]

Just curious, how much are you using per week, at 100+lbs/week shippings adds up quickly....I am 6 miles from a feed store....but no duck rations.

Clint

Holy guacamole! 100+lbs per week! How many birds do you have? I only have 4 so far. 2 chicks and 2 ducks. So far in 5 weeks we have gone through about 40lbs.