Treats for Ducks

[BYBirdNewbie2020]

Hi! My 2 Pekins are 5.5 weeks old. I was supplementing their chick starter / grower crumbles with ground up mealworms because I read they needes more protein during the first few weeks, which they LOVE. When can i just give them a few whole mealworms as a treat? What about other treats? Also when I free range them they keep trying to eat grass but I’m worries they’ll choke. When is it safe to let them forage?

 

[Isaac 0]

They are plenty old for treats and to forage.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/

 

[Isaac 0]

Please read this, especially the bottom.

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

 

[BYBirdNewbie2020]

Please read this, especially the bottom.

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

Thanks! You mean about supplementing? I was giving them brewer’s yeast but then stopped when we switched to duck crumbles. But after reading this I will start again. Is the Durvet B complex preferable to the the brewer’s yeast? They aren’t having any issues as far as I can tell.

 

[BYBirdNewbie2020]

I just want to make sure this is safe? I am terrified of one of them choking. Dried whole meal worms, diced cucumber and shredded cabbage / carrots. (One bowl is for the chicks)

 

[Miss Lydia]

Make sure they have plenty of fresh water close by. I bet you’ll have a free for all

 

[chickens really]

Raising meat birds is different. Don't go overboard on protein at all. They grow fast and develop leg issues. If raising as a pet you lower the protein at about 3 weeks old to 16% and monitor feed closely. No more mealworms except as a treat once a week.

 

[BYBirdNewbie2020]

Oh my gosh I had no idea! I feel like I have no clue what I am doing with the ducks - I keep reading conflicting information. Thank you for letting me know!

 

[chickens really]

Oh my gosh I had no idea! I feel like I have no clue what I am doing with the ducks - I keep reading conflicting information. Thank you for letting me know!

Yes because people are following a certain way that meat birds are fed but not considering the needs of a pet birds needs. Way different practice for having pet Ducks.