Protein %

[Mini Moe]

Ive been reading alot about ducks since being a newbie with 5 wk old Pekins and Im getting conflicting advice from books/magazines/online/Tractor Supply (where we purchased our babies) and 2 of our local feed stores, with 1 store only selling chickens and the other selling primarily chickens with an occasional batch of day-old

ducklings ......and Im getting differing advice on the protein %'s I should buy my duckys. ANY HELP PLEASE....I truly dont want to do the wrong thing that may harm them. :0/

Thanks once again...Sandra Moe

 

[Amiga]

Welcome, and glad you're being conscientious.

There is disagreement among duck people about protein. I followed Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks' recommendations on protein levels and my runners seem fine. There is going to be variability in their diet anyway once they get outside some. If they only eat what you feed them, there's less variability, though treats will move the protein% up or down (peas are low protein, mealworms high protein).

I started my ducklings at about 20%, then down to 18% starting between 2 and 3 weeks of age, then 16% or so for maintenance. I add a little dry cat kibble from time to time especially during molting.

They go outside and forage with me in the large garden, so during slug season they get quite a bit of protein. They also get greens. I give them lettuce and peas and mealworms for treats.

 

[Mini Moe]

Thank you so much for your advise & insite. When i purched "Quakie & Doodle" @ Tractor Supply, the gentleman advised me to get chick starter, which I think has 18% protein. Since we ran out, he decided to ask a new feed store on what to get, now that they are 5-6 wks and was advise that they feed all their ducks "Meatbird" food, which look like the crumbles we've been giving them but the bag states 22% protein. Should this concern me enough to take the huge bag back or will this be ok? I too have be reading Storeys book!!

 

[Mini Moe]

BOTTOM LINE...Will it harm my 5 wk old ducklings if I continued to feed them this MEATBIRD food w/22% protein until this 50lb bag is gone or do I need to discontinue this feed and get feed w/18% protein?

Im trying to settle a disagreement between myself & my husband, who says "Aw...it doesn't matter that much, how much protein is in the duck feed"! Yikes!!

Thanks bunches
Sandra Moe
newbie in CA:/

 

[Amiga]

Mini Moe,

you can cut the protein percentage by adding some chopped rolled oats (not instant). Then you are good to go.


One part oats to four parts feed should get you to your target.

 

[Mini Moe]

Thank you so much for all your help, Amiga. I so greatly appreciate this!

Hugs.....Sandy Moe.