Question on proper protein for ducklings

[KathiQuacks]

Hi again! Yes, you shouldn’t need to lower the protein content - 18% is just fine. My ducks have had 19% their whole lives and are doing great. I’ve only had 1 case of angel wing, and it was suspected to be genetic-related, not a protein issue.

 

[GracePoultry]

Went to rural king and found a good duck starter with 20% protein

 

[AGeese]

Went to rural king and found a good duck starter with 20% protein

Boom.

 

[GracePoultry]

Boom.

TSC is slacking. half as big as rural kind but only 1/8th of the products

 

[AGeese]

TSC is slacking. half as big as rural kind but only 1/8th of the products

Could be. They always have a lot of stuff I don't need, but Theisen's is closer to me anyway.

 

[GracePoultry]

Could be. They always have a lot of stuff I don't need, but Theisen's is closer to me anyway.

TSC is perfect if I ever need a 6 foot tall metal chicken or calendar full or goats.

 

[DRC]

Getting my first ducklings soon, what should the protein percentage be when they first hatch and how should it change as they grow.
What ways can I lower the protein percentage in their feed?
I plan on giving this chick starter with brewers yeast
View attachment 4050774
This feed has 18% protein.
Thanks!

I rescued a mallard last year, and currently am raising 2 Pekin ducklings from TSC.. I've always used Manna Pro Duck and Gosling Starter. Amazon sells 8 and 25lb bags. No problems it has 20% protein and 35mg/lb min niacin.
Make sure they get Niacin, very important for ducklings.

 

[Wangxian520]

According to Metzer (the hatchery that sells ducklings) ducklings from 0-2 weeks need 20% plus protein, then from week three until first egg 17% to 19%. Laying hens need 16%. What I did with my Welsh Harlequin (I got them last year) ducklings were, Mana Pro Game and show birds crumble (protein level 24%) the first 3 weeks, I added Simple Truth Nutritional Yeast to their crumble to supplement their niacin needs. Then week 3 and onwards I gave them regular chick grower crumble (Brown's encore Natural starter feed protein 20%). During that time I would occasionally mix some whey protein powder (vanilla flavor into their feed along with the Nutritional Yeasts) when they start to feather I fed them died mealworms 58% protein and Tetra Pond Koi food 28% protein as treats. If you think that is too much protein what I did was add rolled oats to their feed and some veggie leafs and dried peas.