Vitamin deficiency question

[Lrosell31]

I have goslings ducklings turkeys and chickens all different ages. I have been seeing a lot of posts lately about vitamin deficiency. Im assuming this is pretty common. This is my first time raising backyard birds. I did lose a gosling to what I’m assuming was vitamin deficiency. I haven’t had any problems with any of my other birds. But my question is should I be giving them vitamins just so I don’t have this problem?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If you use the right feed and don't diminish with low nutrient treats their SHOULDN'T be an issue with vitamin deficit. Well turkeys might could use more protein to start.

Too many people use the wrong feed for ducklings NEED more niacin than offered in chick starter. Purina flock raiser IS an acceptable choice for ALL the birds you mention. It has 55mg/kg of niacin to meet duckling needs... verses most chick starters have only around 35mg/kg.

I NEVER had to supplement my birds and also NEVER had issues YET. Only raised chickens and ducks so far. I know I am not immune from possibilities though! My birds are in good health and condition and I have fantastic hatches.

My birds are also always at different ages and one reason why I use flock raiser. I proved oyster shell on the side for layers free choice. It may not be PERFECT for every single bird. But it IS a very happy medium and SIMPLE to feed everyone the same thing.

I personally think people OVER treating their birds and diminishing nutrients IS the COMMON problem. Also MANY will have birds that succumb to Marek's and are blamed on vitamins. Denial is strong. Additionally... some birds may have GENETIC absorption issues. No weak links welcome here... since I breed for vigor... assuming I am NOT the one who caused the issue... say like overcrowding and causing cocci.

One other thing I have seen as a root cause for vitamin deficit is people having bad information about what to feed their birds. Some people have used ONLY scratch or wild bird seed. This is what their friend or neighbor told them. And feed store employees who usually have little to no animal experience of their own have been KNOWN to give out some of the most God awful advice... ALWAYS get a second opinion, since my understanding is that the road to Hell was paved with GOOD intentions.

9 years now... no vitamin deficit (yet). Over treating birds is killing them and diminishing their health... NOT spoiling them PEOPLE!

Keeping treats to NOT more than 10% of the total daily ration should be fine. Not all treats are created equal. Cracked corn is about 7% protein verses sprouted barley is about 14% for example. These birds are omnivores and the amino acids in the protein is what's important. It cannot be completely gotten from veggie sources so is added into our formulated veggie based feeds that most of us use. So even though our feeds may be corn based it the additions that make it complete.

Anyways, animals nutrition is something I'm passionate about... If you do choose to supplement vitamins and minerals.. NOTHING should be supplemented more than 10 days in a row.

Regarding the gosling you lost. First, sorry. But second... I hatch up a storm, and NOT all birds will make it regardless of the nutrients we offer. Even the ones who look perfect and seem fine until their yolk is used up. Sometimes there are internal issues we simply cannot detect. So I would NOT assume it was a deficit that caused the problem.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[Lrosell31]

I give my adult birds layer feed and oyster shells. Also my birds do get protein. As for my younger birds I give them the flock raiser crumbles. Thank you for all your information. I was worried that maybe I needed to feed them vitamins also. But so far I have healthy birds.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I give my adult birds layer feed and oyster shells. Also my birds do get protein. As for my younger birds I give them the flock raiser crumbles. Thank you for all your information. I was worried that maybe I needed to feed them vitamins also. But so far I have healthy birds.

Sounds pretty good.

You might need to supplement niacin if you switch your ducks to layer, or call the company and get the numbers since it isn't usually included on the tag. Since I NEVER use layer, but also didn't keep ducks long term. I don't know the amount in layer. But the feed companies are very forthcoming with their total analysis even if it takes them a couple days to reply.

Even my adult chickens eat the flock raiser. It's the only thing I offer and oyster shell is on the side not mixed in.

If your turkeys are still young the flock raiser MIGHT not be enough protein for them. Since turkey starter is 30% protein. After 8 weeks I think it might be good.

Most vitamins won't hurt your birds if you want to supplement. But if your nutrition is good, it's just an added expense and chore to me. If you are going to, I like poultry nutri drench because it also includes amino acids. I am not familiar with the rooster booster products, but some get good reviews. And I do have a small bird liquid vitamin that I got in the pet department that I do a direct drop to the beak in shipped chicks that are struggling. They do help in times of need. But I think I painted a clear picture for you.. in that it's something you are totally in control of, assuming you have the correct information to start.

And since it's already on your radar... you're off to a good start.

One reason I use flock raiser in my adult birds... is because too much calcium feed long term to birds not in lay (like molting, broody, roosters) *can* (doesn't mean will) cause kidney issues including gout and even failure. AND feathers are made of 90% protein (and its amino acids). So the higher protein and lower calcium levels are a more appropriate choice that promotes rapid recovery with no ill effects of excess calcium. Also dual purpose chickens like Rocks, Orpington, and Marans will do better with about 18% protein as 16 is the MINIMUM need to support light bodied (tight feathered) layers like leghorn... and I don't aim for minimums. But also higher (22%) protein has been shown to give better hatch rates (which I do), but to me better hatch rates means more overall nutrition in the eggs that my family consumes EVERY day... and the flock raiser cost me the same as layer if I go to the right store.

In case you didn't know, you can also feed back all your used egg shells.

I can tell you are in for MANY fantastic adventures!