Purina Flock Raiser

[shelleyd2008]

Either the layena or the flock raiser with a bowl of oyster shells.

 

[Duck Keeper]

Quote:
I've been feeding layer pellets/crumbles since they came off of the starter! No problems have arisen yet. Eggs have all been well-shelled, and the drakes don't show any signs of anything negatively impacting their health.

 

[Duck Keeper]

Oops! Meant to say that I got this little flyer/pamphlet/booklet from the Purina Mills thing that sells Layena. I'm under the impression it's okay for ALL laying birds, but I'll crack out the pamphlet and jot down it's exact description for ya!

 

[cawooduck]

For the last year i have fed my wildfowl Mazuri Maintenance and during breeding season i was feeding them Mazuri Breeder, but Cottage Rose is correct that it is expensive, i pay $32 a bag for maintenance and $36 a bag for breeder..............im done with that product now, although it is good, its expensive. During breeding season now i use pelleted Turkey Finisher as it is the same protien level, and at $14 a bag A LOT cheaper!! Especially since i have 32 ducks and was going through a bag of feed every 2 - 2 1/2 weeks!! When its time to switch to a maintenance diet i will probably try to find a pelleted ration in either gamebird or turkey food.

I also have a bowl with oyster shell in it which i put in the pen about 1 month before breeding season, and after the hens are on nests i take out the oyster shell as it can be very bad for ducks because their bodies can overload on Calcium with no way to expend it such as egg laying.

I wouldnt worry about providing two types of feed for the males and females, because they will eat both of them! Just stick to one feed. On another note, i have successfully raised healthy wood duck babies on flockraiser all the way up into fledglings!! However i did suppliment with meal worms and crickets 1 - 2 times a week.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Yup,, Flockraiser with free choice oyster shell is good.

 

[goosedragon]

Yes you can! Calcium isn't toxic to males (or I would be long dead by now) Females just have special calcium needs during their reproductive periods. If not available from food they tend to rob it from their bones often causing problems later in life. Excess calcium in the diet is just extreated usually with no problems.
I meant this to be an answer to whoever asked about laying ration for drakes but you are to fast for me today. Those of you that have a Southern States (and some Agway) stores might want to check out SS's Floating Waterfowl pellets. They are wonderful, formulated to be a Complete ration for Waterfowl. In feed terms Complete means it is suitable for the entire lifecycle ( except for starter of course, as the pellets are too big for ducklings)

 

[Duck Keeper]

First off, horsejody, I LOVE your signature!

Secondly, here's the description: Once your laying birds (and all adult birds including roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys) reach 18 weeks of age, they will need Layena SunFresh Recipe to support egg laying. Natural and wholesome like the Start & Grow products, Layena contains high calcium levels to support eggshell formation while maintaining a healthy skeleton. In addition, Layena is fortified with manganese to enhance shell quality. High levels of xanthophyll from marigolds result in rich, yellow yolks, while the enhanced concentration of vitamin E provides for more robust immune protection.

I in no way support this product of endorse it's use, your money is your money, your choice is your choice, this is just the exact description in their promotional pamphlet that I have generously copied for your use.

It goes on to say:
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits
Natural Plant proteins For safe and happy birds (no animal proteins or fats)
Superior nutrition Great appearance and healthy eggs
Essential amino acids Strong healthy birds with lots of eggs
Exclusive level of marigold extract Rich yellow yolks
Key levels of calcium and manganese Strong shells with fewer cracks
Proprietary level of vitamin E Supports a healthy immune system
Certified Natural Your assurance of quality. Nutrition you can trust.

Hey, I'm not a vet nor a scientist, just relaying information, okay?

P.O. Box 66812
St. Louis, MO 63166-6812
(800) 227-8941
www.poultrynutrition.com



Edit:
Fixed spelling errors.
Added address, phone number and website that was found on the back of the booklet.

 

[goosedragon]

Just one note on Duck keepers post of the Sunfresh formulation. Ducks and Chickens are NOT vegatarians by nature, they like (and IMO need) a bit of animal protein in their diet. They make a big thing about being Natural and having no animal protein or fat. What they don't tell you is that Animal protein and/or fat has become expensive since Mad Cow disease came to the Americas. About the only animal protein that they dare use is fish meal/byproducts. Give your birds some dog/cat food with animal protein to give them a boost during the mating/laying cycle.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
I actually use Layena and Flockraiser. When I have mixed ages and sexes I use the flockraiser with oyster shell on the side. For groups of just layers, they get layena.

 

[Duck Keeper]

Quote:
I know! I was thinking the same thing when I read it in their booklet.
I was like "Yeah, and ducks don't eat bugs and worms right?"

I /think/ they try to tell people that by letting birds eat meat they're:

1.) making the eggs bad for them

2.) it's unnatural

3.) it makes their poop harbor unsavory pathogens therefore making it bad to spread around on food



One is just dumb, two is false, and three is common sense. Don't eat food with poop on it! Wash it!

If it grows in it I'd think you'd have to cook it or something...