Raising Ducklings with Chicks & Niacin...

[Bettyboop7499]

Hello BYC!

I am raising four Pekin ducks with my 15 combination breed chicks. It has been going 'swimmingly', they all get along, groom, eat, drink, snuggle together. I've notice some bowing in one of the ducklings legs so I've just read they need ore niacin than chicks. I've been feeding them the same grower feed, in the same feeders so how do I ensure the ducklings are eating the niacin other than the chicks, other than separating them DAILY at feedings? Is the niacin bad for chicks, if I put it in a separate feeder than the feed will the ducklings know to go to it when needed as chicks do with grit?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[R2elk]

Hello BYC!

I am raising four Pekin ducks with my 15 combination breed chicks. It has been going 'swimmingly', they all get along, groom, eat, drink, snuggle together. I've notice some bowing in one of the ducklings legs so I've just read they need ore niacin than chicks. I've been feeding them the same grower feed, in the same feeders so how do I ensure the ducklings are eating the niacin other than the chicks, other than separating them DAILY at feedings? Is the niacin bad for chicks, if I put it in a separate feeder than the feed will the ducklings know to go to it when needed as chicks do with grit?

Thanks for the advice!

Mix it in the feed for all of them. The niacin is not harmful to chicks.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Mix it in the feed for all of them. The niacin is not harmful to chicks.

Oh-..ok..that is a relief! Honestly, the thought of creating a separate brooder or going in and removing the ducklings for feedings...

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Bettyboop7499]

So, I went to Tractor Supply and spoke to three different associates and none of them knew what I was talking about when I asked for Niacin! All three looked at me like I grew three heads, I had to check my teeth to see if I had something in them...it was weird and frustrating!

 

[R2elk]

So, I went to Tractor Supply and spoke to three different associates and none of them knew what I was talking about when I asked for Niacin! All three looked at me like I grew three heads, I had to check my teeth to see if I had something in them...it was weird and frustrating!

Do not expect employees of chain feed stores to be knowledgeable about poultry. If they do give advice, it is only what they are taught to say and in most cases will be of no value at all.

The two main sources of niacin are Brewer's yeast and a good vitamin B complex. If you can't get the Brewer's yeast, you can pick up a good vitamin B complex at any grocery store. Mix 1/2 capsule in one gallon of water. It must be made fresh daily. Supply it as the only source of water. Do not add ACV to the mixture.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Do not expect employees of chain feed stores to be knowledgeable about poultry. If they do give advice, it is only what they are taught to say and in most cases will be of no value at all.

The two main sources of niacin are Brewer's yeast and a good vitamin B complex. If you can't get the Brewer's yeast, you can pick up a good vitamin B complex at any grocery store. Mix 1/2 capsule in one gallon of water. It must be made fresh daily. Supply it as the only source of water. Do not add ACV to the mixture.

THANK YOU!! I was getting a little confused because people refer to it as Niacin but I couldn't find it and online I noticed it mentioned Vitamin B.. thank you for the clarification.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Do not expect employees of chain feed stores to be knowledgeable about poultry. If they do give advice, it is only what they are taught to say and in most cases will be of no value at all.

The two main sources of niacin are Brewer's yeast and a good vitamin B complex. If you can't get the Brewer's yeast, you can pick up a good vitamin B complex at any grocery store. Mix 1/2 capsule in one gallon of water. It must be made fresh daily. Supply it as the only source of water. Do not add ACV to the mixture.

YES! I thought maybe they would know something cause they sold us the ducks

 

[R2elk]

THANK YOU!! I was getting a little confused because people refer to it as Niacin but I couldn't find it and online I noticed it mentioned Vitamin B.. thank you for the clarification.

Niacin is vitamin B3.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Do not expect employees of chain feed stores to be knowledgeable about poultry. If they do give advice, it is only what they are taught to say and in most cases will be of no value at all.

The two main sources of niacin are Brewer's yeast and a good vitamin B complex. If you can't get the Brewer's yeast, you can pick up a good vitamin B complex at any grocery store. Mix 1/2 capsule in one gallon of water. It must be made fresh daily. Supply it as the only source of water. Do not add ACV to the mixture.

Ok, I will not mix ACV into the water, but what is ACV?

And prior to this was I suppose to be?

So, I now have started the Niacin supplement, how long do I give it to them, until their legs are straight, adult, or forever?

 

[HelplessHomeSteader]

The Xtra niacin in chickens has been shown to help with egg laying so it a bonus.