What do I feed my 3 week old mallards?

[hannuh_montana]

My ducks will be 3 weeks old tomorrow and are currently on Dumor Chick Starter/Grower Feed (20% protein, non-medicated) since I was unable to find waterfowl starter. The bag of feed says it's to be used until 10 weeks of age, and then should be switched to grower feed. But multiple places that I've been reading online say to switch them sooner so that they don't overload on protein and develop Angel Wing (deformity). One place says to switch them to a chick grower feed with 16%-18% protein at 3 weeks old, but another place says they should be switched to game-bird grower at 5 weeks. I don't want to lower their protein too soon, but don't want to do it too early either. One says 3 weeks, one says 5 weeks, the bag says 10/11 weeks. Also, since they're mallards, would a game-bird grower be better than a chick grower? I'm not sure if the specific breed even matters, I just know it differs a little with Pekins, so I don't want the information I'm using to be based on Pekins or a different breed that would differ greatly compared to raising mallards.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

This is the definitive advice on nutrient levels for waterfowl at each stage of life.
https://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=25440464
18-20% protein is fine after the second week till they are laying age.

 

[Isaac 0]

My ducks will be 3 weeks old tomorrow and are currently on Dumor Chick Starter/Grower Feed (20% protein, non-medicated) since I was unable to find waterfowl starter. The bag of feed says it's to be used until 10 weeks of age, and then should be switched to grower feed. But multiple places that I've been reading online say to switch them sooner so that they don't overload on protein and develop Angel Wing (deformity). One place says to switch them to a chick grower feed with 16%-18% protein at 3 weeks old, but another place says they should be switched to game-bird grower at 5 weeks. I don't want to lower their protein too soon, but don't want to do it too early either. One says 3 weeks, one says 5 weeks, the bag says 10/11 weeks. Also, since they're mallards, would a game-bird grower be better than a chick grower? I'm not sure if the specific breed even matters, I just know it differs a little with Pekins, so I don't want the information I'm using to be based on Pekins or a different breed that would differ greatly compared to raising mallards.

I would suggest switching to an All Flock Feed, or a Purina Rasier Feed, if you are unable to find something specifically for ducks, chick starter does not contain enough niacin for ducks which will often lead to leg problems. If you can't find that, I would suggest adding a niacin supplement to their feed/water like brewers yeast, nutritional yeast, poultry vitamin, or B complex. And to answer your question 20% feed would be fine for ducks all the way until they pass.