Q Niacin and Yeast

[Cecy]

I have been reading posts discussing adding niacin and/or yeast to duckling food. I was just wondering if this is necessary? Isn't this already in their feed? I have two mallard ducklings and want to take care of them properly, but I am so new to this and sometimes the info is confusing. Thanks for any help, my babies will appreciate it as do I.

 

[Tahai]

If you are using feed made just for waterfowl, then yes, it should have enough niacin. If you are using chicken feed, then no, it will not.

Waterfowl require considerably more niacin than other poultry. I picked up a big can of brewers yeast at my local natural foods store for about $10. I imagine it will last through the brooding stage for 14 ducks, with a bit left over.

 

[Amy S]

I use meatbird crumble (says for ducks, turkey, ect.) ... got from the feed store, where I also got our three runner ducklings.

I also grabbed some powdered electrolyte (use in their water) that the store had them on at time of purchase. We use that everyday. Does anyone else use, and when should we discontinue? My runners are 2 wks old today.

 

[duckyfromoz]

Niacin deficiency is an issue occasionally seen in the faster growing meat type birds like Pekins and Aylesbury Ducks. Have a look at this link as it shows the classic signs of niacin deficiency.

http://metzerfarms.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/are-my-ducklings-leg-problems-due-to.html

Many people think their ducklings are deficient when going through a growth spurt - Ducklings can be a little lame or wobbly for a day or two- without it necessarily being a niacin deficiency. Prevention is better than cure of course so adding a multivitamin to the water on a regular basis is good practice.