What do you feed just hatched ducklings?

[chickenteen]

I feed them game feed starter.

 

[srsmith69]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[TLWR]

Quote:
I was able to find this today and medicated chick starter. I only looked at Tractor Supply. There are a couple of feed stores and a hardware store that has chicks in the spring that I can check out as well.
If I don't find something else, is it ok to use the flock raiser and do I need to add anything to up the niacin?

 

[FenDruadin]

If you have Purina Flock Raiser, then you don't need anything else. It is a complete food.

 

[emjay]

so if you can't medicate the ducks, are they not more susceptible to coccidossis? or is that not as prevalent in ducks as chickens?
as well, if the ducklings are under a mama chicken, will extra niacin hurt her?

 

[BarefootMom]

Quote:
so what is in the medicated that is bad for the ducks? I need to know so I can ask my feed mill if they put it in their chick starter. I asked yesterday about the non-medicated and they said they didn't have anything like that. I have over 2 dozen ducks in the incubator and will be needing to know soon!

TIA!

nevermind.... my answer was in post #9

I need to learn to read all replies before asking... sorry

 

[FenDruadin]

Ducks are not readily susceptible to anything, really. They're very hardy. The niacin won't hurt the mother if it's offered as brewer's yeast or from game bird feed mixed with their feed (but the protein will be high--which is probably okay as she's probably in need of it after brooding anyway). If you offer it as tablets from the pharmacy, in the water, she could overdose--I don't know for sure though. You could devise a creep feeder of sorts that only the ducklings can reach, and make sure the mama has pellets so the ducklings have to go to their own feeder... but the better bet is probably just to offer it as brewer's yeast or game bird feed if you can. Good luck!

 

[emjay]

what about if one added the powder to the water that had the niacin in it, would that be too much for mama

how much brewers yeast per day? and for how long?
what age can they start getting treats? and what are the best kinds?
should i be offering grit? I have that play sand stuff, is that okay??

you read so many varying opinions on what to do and what not to do as for feeding ducklings, I don't know what to do, haha.

 

[Smiles-N-Sunshine]

Quote:
X2

Flock Raiser is the bomb!

 

[BarefootMom]

Quote:
X2

Flock Raiser is the bomb!

I have been trying to find a feed mill that made something like that, but not having much luck.

The feed stores don't carry Purina feeds and I personally don't want to pay the price for Purina. I don't think I could ever pay more than $12 a 50 for any kind of food.

and the "farm and home" stores that do have the purina feeds charge tax on them unless you can prove to them that it is for farm use. They want to see tax forms. bwah.