Using poultry nipples with ducks

[kristenm1975]

Hello! I have a chicken coop with some very mellow breeds and would like to add a few of Metzer Farms hybrid layers, but I don't want puddles in the run. Is it possible to just let the ducks use the poultry nipples?

Also, would standard layer feed for chickens work for the ducks?

Thank you!

 

[chiques chicks]

Hello! I have a chicken coop with some very mellow breeds and would like to add a few of Metzer Farms hybrid layers, but I don't want puddles in the run. Is it possible to just let the ducks use the poultry nipples?

Also, would standard layer feed for chickens work for the ducks?

Thank you!

I don't have ducks, never have, but my neighbor does.

They switched to nipples this year because their run was a mess. They adapted easily.

At times I care for their ducks if they are away. The feed appears to be normal layer pellets.
The ducks are thriving. They do get free range time, too. And a chance to play in mud puddles.

 

[kristenm1975]

Good to know, thank you!

 

[Debs Flock]

Hello! I have a chicken coop with some very mellow breeds and would like to add a few of Metzer Farms hybrid layers, but I don't want puddles in the run. Is it possible to just let the ducks use the poultry nipples?

Also, would standard layer feed for chickens work for the ducks?

Thank you!

One thing to remember, ducks require access to enough water that they can dip their heads into so they can keep their nares and eyes free of debris/dirt. If you start with ducklings, they'll need Niacin added to the food for their first 20 weeks or so.

 

[kristenm1975]

Thank you, Debs Flock! I'm thinking of putting a bucket outside the coop with a treadle on the inside that would lift to open a window in the wire and allow access to deeper water.

How do you give your ducks the niacin?

 

[Debs Flock]

Thank you, Debs Flock! I'm thinking of putting a bucket outside the coop with a treadle on the inside that would lift to open a window in the wire and allow access to deeper water.

How do you give your ducks the niacin?

Happy to help! Bucket sounds like a good idea. I buy brewer's yeast on Amazon and add one tablespoon per one cup of their food.

 

[Amiga]

Have you seen the sticky on raising ducklings?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[kristenm1975]

I haven't, thank you!! Will read up!