Protein Amount for ducks

[KnkGoose]

I will be getting baby ducks in a few weeks .. right now I have 4 drakes and have been feeding them a game bird crumble, the protein amount is 21% .. I read that ducks should only be at 18% until they are three weeks and then it should be lowered to 16% or less..IS this correct?
I use all Organic feed for my chicks and was planning to use an organic Chick starter for the ducklings but my concern is what feed to switch to at 3 weeks?
Also how long would I need to use a heat lamp for them ? I live in Maine and right now we are reaching 60's during the day.. not everyday .. and still dropping into the 30's some nights . THe ducklings should be here within the next 2 weeks so temps may go up but then again they may not

I will keep them in a brooder box in the house for the first week and was planning to move them to the garage at week 2 . Will they be ok at 50-60 degrees or do they need more heat than that? First time with duck babies

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

50-60'F I don't think will be warm enough. Week 2 should be more like 85'F or so.

 

[Speceider]

To me, that is the wrong question. Protein content is only as good as the limiting amino acids. Research suggests the diet should be 1.5 g methionine/1000 kcal ME, 3.84 g/ 1000 kcal ME for arginine, 3.75 g/ 1000 kcal ME of lysine.....other amino acids should be sufficient (they can be converted from other AAs).

Clint

 

[KnkGoose]

Thanks Holly.. do you have any suggestions on the feed?
Im sorry Speceider but I have NO idea what you mean… Im a much more basic kinda girl.. If you have that answer in laymen's termsI might know what you mean. But Thanks all the same.

 

[Speceider]

Guess the simple answer is higher protein to make sure you have sufficient amino acids...

Clint

 

[Going Quackers]

The duckling sticky has good info on heat and touches on feed too.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

My Pekin were on a duck starter which was 22% pro and then now are on a 16%... they are roughly 6wks old. They free range too...