Protein levels in growing ducks?

[Rory the Chicken]

I have 3 5 1/2 week old ducklings and I was wondering what the ideal protein level is for their age and if I need to lower the protein percentage. From day 1 to now they have been on Small Holder Range baby chick crumbs (17.5% protein), and now I am transitioning them onto Heygates duck and goose pellets (17% protein). Is this too high for their age as they are fast growing and I need to prevent angel wing deformities?

 

[Canadian Wind]

The protein level is fine, I'd be more worried about the niacin level in the chick feed. Have you been supplementing?

 

[Rory the Chicken]

I have not supplemented as the chick feed says it is suitable for waterfowl too, so I presumed that it would supply the right amount of niacin/other minerals for the ducklings without the need of niacin supplements.

 

[Yardmom]

I'm not familiar with the food you are using. Some ducklings need more niacin than others and even need it with a feed designed for ducklings. Personally I use a flock raiser and even my ducklings free range. I have not seen a need for more niacin in my birds, but watch to make sure their legs are strong and they appear healthy.

 

[Rory the Chicken]

Ok thank you, they look healthy and their legs are strong, I'll watch out for any signs of illness. I will add brewer's yeast to their feed if they look unwell.

 

[Quatie]

I would say the protein level is low. Ducks need closer to 19% protein and I feed mine 20% all the time. I was reading on metzer's site recently, they recommend 22% for the first 3 weeks, otherwise 20% for the first 4 weeks at least. High protein for angel wing is at levels of 28-32% protein

 

[EggSighted4Life]

From day 1 to now they have been on Small Holder Range baby chick crumbs (17.5% protein),

Way too low for those first weeks.. check this reputable link.. (reducing protein very often reduces amino acids)

https://www.metzerfarms.com/nutritional-requirements.html

Angel wing isn't caused by protein it's caused by excess high energy low nutrient feed stuffs.. like bread and corn.. ALSO probably coupled with genetics.

I have not supplemented as the chick feed says it is suitable for waterfowl too, so I presumed that it would supply the right amount of niacin/other minerals for the ducklings without the need of niacin supplements.

Niacin isn't required by law to be listed on the guaranteed analysis. You can contact the company and ask them for it. I don't see ducklings or ducks (waterfowl) mentioned on the feed bag.. though it does mention NOT having enough protein for turkey, game, and quail chicks.. I do see the goose pics on the bag but there's also sheep, cows, etc.

https://www.smallholderfeed.co.uk/products/poultry/baby-chick-crumbs/

I contacted Purina.. their flock raiser comes in at 55mg/kg niacin.. the recommended level for most ducklings. Jumbo Pekin are the ones who may require supplementation beyond that closer to 70-80 mg/kg due to their even more rapid growth rate. The FR also has 20% protein which I raised all my ducklings on and all thrived full time without ever changing. Oyster shell is available free choice on the side once there are active layers.

 

[Rory the Chicken]

On the feed bag for the baby chick crumbs it says that: For waterfowl, goose/duck starter pellets OR baby chick crumbs can be fed up to 3/4, when birds should be gradually changed on to goose/duck finisher pellets.
I admit that I was a week late between switching them over to grower feed, but when I asked the person at the feed place (who hatches and raises lots of ducks) said that I should use the Small Holder Range baby chick crumbs until they were 4-6 weeks old and then transition them onto Heygates duck and goose pellets.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

On the feed bag for the baby chick crumbs it says that: For waterfowl, goose/duck starter pellets OR baby chick crumbs can be fed up to 3/4, when birds should be gradually changed on to goose/duck finisher pellets.

Well, that part wasn't included on the website.. or at least not that I found in the link I included.

I see you're in the UK?

That sort of explains some things.. like the difference in labeling and lack of nutritional information.

I personally would wanna know the calcium content of that duck/goose crumble..because.. excess calcium fed to birds not in lay long term can cause a whole host of conditions not conducive to life.

As much as I'm frustrated about the over reach of government here in the US.. I also continue to discover that I'm grateful for the information I do have available and even some of the "regulation"