Just want to make sure I'm doing this correctly.
I have 5 ducks. 1 male/4 female. My 2 Cayuga females and 1 Cayuga male are just about 12 weeks old. My 2 Runner females are probably a week or so older.
According to Storey's Guide they are still in the developing stage and 13-14% protein is sufficient. But then it says for birds getting ready to lay 16-17 percent protein works. I want to avoid angel wing and am not overly concerned about how fast they grow or how big the eggs are. I should consider them preparing to lay, yes?
I'm currently feeding (just switched yesterday from unmedicated Start and Grow) to Flock Raiser (20% protein) 4 cups of feed and 1 cup of crimped oats. They get this in the evening only. I let them out to free range early in the morning.
I am not using Layena because 1) the drake doesn't need the calcium, right? and 2) I want them to be used to one feed but I will adjust what else I give them according to their needs (as I figure them out LOL).
I am offering in a separate bowl oyster shell (started today), thinking those that need it will take it (someone here posted that).I sometimes toss out a handful of grit under my deck where they hang out, just to be safe. They also get about 2 1/2 cups of peas every day.
I have stopped adding Niacin to their water since they have access to bugs. I assume I will have to start adding that again once the winter comes and they don't have bugs to eat anymore?
They're just losing all of their feathers and look pretty ratty, is there something I can give them to help or will that improve on it's own? I'm trying to avoid the cat kibble. It has been very hot here the last few days (95-100) and I've been putting a bucket of ice in their water tank, is it the heat that is making their feathers look bad?
Is this mix of food correct or do I HAVE to provide Layena?
Thanks!!!
I have 5 ducks. 1 male/4 female. My 2 Cayuga females and 1 Cayuga male are just about 12 weeks old. My 2 Runner females are probably a week or so older.
According to Storey's Guide they are still in the developing stage and 13-14% protein is sufficient. But then it says for birds getting ready to lay 16-17 percent protein works. I want to avoid angel wing and am not overly concerned about how fast they grow or how big the eggs are. I should consider them preparing to lay, yes?
I'm currently feeding (just switched yesterday from unmedicated Start and Grow) to Flock Raiser (20% protein) 4 cups of feed and 1 cup of crimped oats. They get this in the evening only. I let them out to free range early in the morning.
I am not using Layena because 1) the drake doesn't need the calcium, right? and 2) I want them to be used to one feed but I will adjust what else I give them according to their needs (as I figure them out LOL).
I am offering in a separate bowl oyster shell (started today), thinking those that need it will take it (someone here posted that).I sometimes toss out a handful of grit under my deck where they hang out, just to be safe. They also get about 2 1/2 cups of peas every day.
I have stopped adding Niacin to their water since they have access to bugs. I assume I will have to start adding that again once the winter comes and they don't have bugs to eat anymore?
They're just losing all of their feathers and look pretty ratty, is there something I can give them to help or will that improve on it's own? I'm trying to avoid the cat kibble. It has been very hot here the last few days (95-100) and I've been putting a bucket of ice in their water tank, is it the heat that is making their feathers look bad?
Is this mix of food correct or do I HAVE to provide Layena?
Thanks!!!