So much info on duck feed

[Jjmduckdad]

Hi All- I'm at almost 7 weeks with my flock of 6 ducklings. I have 2 pekins, 3 khakis and an oddball that we were told was a black runner but looks more like a khaki but not exact. I've had them on naturewise starter 18% and starting to get low on the bag. I've been supplementing oats with the feed as my pekins are much larger already. I've been combing through the threads as well as raising ducks 101 on Facebook and there's Soo much info about what to feed and when. Can anyone break it down for me what feed they should be getting and at what age? They also get vitamin b complex every day as my one Pekin has a leg that slants in from foot to top of leg. She developed this despite Brewers yeast, peas and b complex for the last 3 or so weeks. We're assuming it's a genetic issue causing the problem. I have her confined to my duck run and no free range to limit her from running and causing more harm to it.
Anyway, trying to plan ahead as far as fees goes as these guys are getting older and not sure next steps.

 

[Ratchnick]

If you can get an all flock or duck pellet with oyster shell on the side when they start to lay that's all you need.

 

[DuckyDonna]

If you've only got ducks this is probably one of the best. It works from hatch throughout their life. Girls will need oyster shells on the side though.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Can anyone break it down for me what feed they should be getting and at what age?

Welcome to the land of REAL information!

Stop all the supplemental oats and crud.. trying to avoid angel wing and diminish protein is a highly misunderstood topic..

I raised duckling on Purina Flock Raiser which has 55mg/kg of niacin and 20% protein. Jumbo Pekin need about 70mg/kg... so if Jumbo may still need supplementation. Honestly, I'm not fond of the nature wise starter.. it's too low in protein and more Amino acids for ALL starting birds IMHO.

Check out this link that explains nutrtitional need quite well..
https://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=25463951

Please note according to my understanding... angel wing is most likely genetic and can be caused by excess energy from ANY source including carbohydrates and fat NOT just protein.

There are some leg bone deformities that do exist in ducks that are not nutrition related.. valgus/varus..
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...ctious-skeletal-disorders-in-poultry-broilers

I'm not sure how easy it is to determine if what you are seeing is a deformity or a deficiency... please post photos so maybe those who have seen it might be able to discern the difference.



Please note.. I never switch feed (in regards to how much and when, many suggestions made are minimums to keep cost down without effecting production.. Not the same as ideal.. I just add oyster shell on the side as laying approaches. Since my birds have access to dirt.. NO added grit needed.

 

[Jjmduckdad]

 

[Jjmduckdad]

 

[Isaac 0]

I can definitely see a foot pointed inwards (pigeon-toed) which causes him to trip over it each time he steps, most likely this would be caused by a niacin deficiency, and given the bird's age, it may take more than a few weeks for a complete recovery. I would check for any sign of bumblefoot underneath his feet which may be adding on to his problem.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

You might find this link helpful,

 

[Jjmduckdad]

I can definitely see a foot pointed inwards (pigeon-toed) which causes him to trip over it each time he steps, most likely this would be caused by a niacin deficiency, and given the bird's age, it may take more than a few weeks for a complete recovery. I would check for any sign of bumblefoot underneath his feet which may be adding on to his problem.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/niacin-deficiency-in-waterfowl.1367557/

You might find this link helpful,

You think niacin defiency even if we've supplemented with Brewers yeast, vitamins and vitamin complex since little younger than 4 weeks and they're 7 weeks now? It happened overnight but we haven't seen any sort of improvement, it's leg has been like that for week and a half