Obesity in large duck breeds?

[RosemaryDuck]

Hey all! Just concerned about something and would like some advice. My ducklings are currently 6 weeks. I (think) they're going to be pretty large ducks, considering how big they already are. I used to keep pekins, but never really had any concerns with feeding because I had several acres for them to roam. Since my coop is smaller now, I'm worried about these guys getting overly hefty. How many cups should they be getting later on (in adulthood)? What are some good ways to avoid them putting on the pounds? They are going to be solely for pets/eggs depending on gender.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

What is the protein percentage of what you are feeding them?
Do you have an accurate way of weighing them? Gram scale?

 

[RosemaryDuck]

What is the protein percentage of what you are feeding them?
Do you have an accurate way of weighing them? Gram scale?

I do have a gram scale. I don't know that they'll stay still on it, but I can try to weigh them. The protein % of the food is 19%. I had them on organic feed (18%) previously but switched to regular duck pellets (for ducklings).

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm not sure you have a lot to worry about. What breed of ducks are they?
Try to weigh at least two of them and keep track of weights a couple times a week.

 

[RosemaryDuck]

I'm not sure you have a lot to worry about. What breed of ducks are they?
Try to weigh at least two of them and keep track of weights a couple times a week.

I'm not sure. I got them from fertile eggs from a farmers market. Eggs were blue and green. They grew super fast. They're already both pretty large and almost fully feathered. And thank you for the advice! ☺

 

[Nigel27]

Indian runner ducks?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Just because they are growing fast doesn't mean there is a problem. Especially since you don't know what species they are. They could be early bloomers.