Proper feed for laying ducks

[Brassmaster]

So far I have been giving my ducks meat bird crumbles but we are fast approaching the time when they could start laying. What is the proper food for laying ducks (Khaki Campbells)? Should it be chicken layer feed? Do I need to supplement with oyster shell or don't ducks need it?

 

[Wifezilla]

If you aren't using layer pellets, you will need oyster shells or some other source of calcium. I only have one layer and she usually has a bowl of oyster shells. A squirrel knocked over her oyster shell dish and I didn't notice. Suddenly I started getting soft shelled eggs.

 

[Brassmaster]

The layer mash that I feed my chickens has oyster shell added. Can I just start feeding that to the ducks? Will they/can they eat mash? Will the oyster shell be of any concern for the drake that is in with them?

 

[Trenary Duck Farm]

Quote:
Yes, they will eat mash. Some people prepare wet mash too.

I wouldn't worry too much about the drake's calcium intake. There isn't too much you can do to stop ducklings, hens and drakes from eating the same food.

Edited for spelling

 

[Wifezilla]

Because I have a drake, I do keep the calcium separate.

 

[Trenary Duck Farm]

Quote:
Yes, otherwise it might give him a calcified stiffy.

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

My girls eat multi flock duck feed and have a dish of oyster shells for them..

 

[monathequeen]

I feed my ducks Purina Sunfresh recipe...It's in a green paper bag and you can get it at any Farm Supply Store. It is for 'ALL Backyard Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys. It is a crumble form. I also add Scratch Grains to the food.
about one cup of SG to about a two Gallon jug. I dont ration their food and fill their dish about 1/3 of the way. They eat what they want and when their full, they go nap or swim.
They love it and are very healthy. I have a run for all of them wich has plenty of dirt so they don't get Oyster shell. The egg-shell's are normal in hardness.
For a treat I give the ducks chopped lettuce with some frozen corn and peas mixed in with it. The Ducks go nuts and will scream at me if I dont give them their morning veg's..........What can I say, I spoil them rotten.
I tried the pellet form and they weren't too keen on it but ate it although it's less waste. the sunfresh recipe is 16% nutrients. I had two kaki campbells and loved them.

 

[monathequeen]

A What ?????
Quote:
Yes, otherwise it might give him a calcified stiffy.

 

[Wifezilla]

The Ducks go nuts and will scream at me if I dont give them their morning veg's..........What can I say, I spoil them rotten.

Don't feel bad...mine are the same way