POTATOES FOR DUCKS?

[RebinNH]

I read in Storey's Duck book that potatoes if cooked are great duck food - especially in winter. Do any of you have experience?
Thanks,
RebinNH

 

[nuthatched]

Probably as a sometimes treat, not as a everyday ration. Warm foods are a hood treat in winter.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I feed mine potatoes whenever they are on sale. I boil them up and keep in the fridge and feed some like I would peas or watermelon. They love them.

 

[Canadian Wind]

My ducks destroyed my potato plants a few weeks ago. Whatever had been growing in there was obviously not cooked, but I was reassured it wouldn't hurt them, and it didn't.

I'd think that during the winter, a bit of potatoes, which are loaded with vitamins and minerals btw, would be an excellent treat. The only reason we shouldn't eat as many as humans is because of everything not healthy we put on ours.

I once read that on their own, they are considered an almost perfect food.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Also, Dave Holderead is THE expert on ducks.

 

[Canadian Wind]

Also, Dave Holderead is THE expert on ducks.

I've heard a lot about Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks. I really should get it...

 

[RebinNH]

I've still got the library copy but need to buy it to have as a source for all sorts of things.
As far as potatoes being excellent food. I can't eat them because of the high oxalates but do love them and after the Irish ate them to survive, I'm sure they are very nutrient dense.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Storeys was my duck bible starting out. Its dated but there is such little on ducks. I am blessed with a great avian vet who also has ducks. But there is so little on duck health we just have to help each other.

 

[RebinNH]

Agreed! I hope someday to have something of value to share. The learning curve has me a bit stumped of late but they are healthy and BIG, so I guess all is well. I will be starting another thread about calcium. I have a well with very hard H2O and wonder if that can effect their nervous systems.

 

[thatsbirdietoyou]

If anyone ever wants some specific info from Storeys, I'd be happy to scan and email some pages! I have a copy that is well-loved.