U.S. drought fallout . . . might it affect all of our ducks?

[Tivona]

I recall from my mycology class that aflatoxin is visible under black light. But with 50 parts per billion having an affect on ducks, I don't imagine it would be detectable by the time it is mixed into feed. . . . .

Well, so, time to revive some of the threads with homemade duck feed recipes? Picture me taking a few deep breaths and resting my head in my hands for a few minutes to process the implications here . . . . Lord, have mercy.

I just checked and my oyster shell has some parts of the shell glow under my black light. So there are other things that could be in feed that would cause the feed to show bits glowing anyway. Sure doesn't make it easy... The idea of mixing our own food seems so daunting. I really hope I don't have to.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What are we going to do? I have always used Purina FR since I started with Ducks except for a month last year when I tried to switch them over to an Organic feed but they didn't care much for it and it was very dusty, but that looks out of the question to since it can carry this mold also. I have been searching for alternatives but not doing so good on that front either,

I have been able to find a few whole grains but this could get very expensive and for most of us, probably not feasible especially those of us retirees. I don't want to feed something I know is a health hazard to my flock. But not sure what to do. Especially with most of us going into the fall and winter months now won't be much foraging going on after a couple of frosts. . I tried again to get an email to Purina but it won't accept it.

 

[Amiga]

It is more work, but here are some ideas in the Feeding section of this article.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/waterfowl-1.html

Are there corn-free feeds, I wonder? I need to look that up. Then one could supplement with potatoes or other source.

 

[JoyAnna]

. . .

Are there corn-free feeds, I wonder? I need to look that up. Then one could supplement with potatoes or other source.

I am feeding my ducks with 'Scratch and Peck' which is organic and recently certified GMO-free. The mill is located here in Bellingham, WA, and I don't know how widely it is distributed. The grains are stated to be grown in this area as well. They offer the choice of having corn included or not. I chose the corn-free but also have a bag of cracked corn I can add if it seems right.
www.scratchandpeck.com

 

[Amiga]

I am on the other side of the continent and don't have that option (as far as I know). But I plan to ask around and see who and what I can find.

It can feel overwhelming as I begin to look more into this. But I am grateful for this forum and its members. Many brains are better than one, trying to navigate various hurdles in taking care of our critters.

 

[Carcajou]

Thank you so much, Amiga, for starting this very informative thread. Lot's of good thought provoking information here.

 

[JoyAnna]

I am on the other side of the continent and don't have that option (as far as I know). But I plan to ask around and see who and what I can find.

It can feel overwhelming as I begin to look more into this. But I am grateful for this forum and its members. Many brains are better than one, trying to navigate various hurdles in taking care of our critters.

Ah, Amiga, I knew when I posted that not everyone could benefit, but wanted to encourage others to look for a local source. I've offered this website before and I hope no one thinks I'm acting as their agent. I am just so grateful to have this resource. I think someone else stated, "You are what your animals eat." I am working at regaining/maintaining my own health late in life and have become almost a food fanatic. We are all being poisoned by the GMO and other tainted stuff being sold for people and their animals. I hope you can find a reliable source nearer you and yes, thank you for bringing this information to our attention. I have passed the links provided on to a neighbor who is raising organic chickens.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I was finally able to get an Email to Purina about their using this corn in their Sun Fresh feed. So hopefully I'll hear back soon. I am also looking into rescipes to make my own. Problem being finding all I need to make it healthy to feed.

 

[Amiga]

I was finally able to get an Email to Purina about their using this corn in their Sun Fresh feed. So hopefully I'll hear back soon. I am also looking into rescipes to make my own. Problem being finding all I need to make it healthy to feed.

Good news, thanks! Looks like we get to learn another life skill

and that is rumored to be good for the brain.

Wondering how squash, potatoes, and vermiculture fit in to my future. Hoo boy.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good news, thanks! Looks like we get to learn another life skill

and that is rumored to be good for the brain.

Wondering how squash, potatoes, and vermiculture fit in to my future. Hoo boy.

How do you fix the potatoes when feeding to your ducks Amiga?