What do you feed just hatched ducklings?

[Balbinka]

Quote:
Sadly, most feed stores know little to nothing about ducks and geese.
If the (unmedicated) chick starter has the correct amount of protein for the ducklings and they are getting the amount of niacin they need, it is just fine emjay.

 

[FenDruadin]

Unmedicated chick feed with brewer's yeast is just fine. Ditto on the grit--only supplement if they are being fed greens or other things besides crumble, and don't worry about it once they are free ranging. Also ditto on the feed store employees knowing almost nothing about waterfowl. Good luck with your babies!

 

[emjay]

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I appreciate the help.
How much brewers yeast should i add to the feed? How old should the ducklings be when i start to add it.

 

[Balbinka]

Here's a link for ya:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/poultry/feeding/nutritional-requirements-ducks

It is about the nutrition requirements of ducks.
Depending on the amount of ducklings you have, one tablespoon a day is plenty (this is what I have heard from other people).

The ducklings will let you know if they need more.
Poultry tend to be pretty good at letting their mommies and daddies know if they're missing something.

 

[Countrypunk92]

Found out the feed I bought at tsc was infact a true all poultry starter. Had enough naicin for the duckies. PHEW!

 

[Countrypunk92]

Quote:
Unfortunately, it's difficult to find feed truly formulated for ducks. Purina Flock Raiser is the best that's commonly available, and TSC doesn't carry it. Furthermore, I've heard reports that it doesn't always work great either. It really is a pain!

I wasn't trying to criticize you, and I'm sorry if I came off that way. I don't always come off sounding the way I mean to, and I hope you won't hold it against me.

There are many people on these boards who feed without supplementing niacin and have excellent results. It just hasn't been my experience.

Nah, there was no negative energy between us. lol

 

[destinduck]

Quote:
Most dont know ducks. If one of your feed stores carries Purina brand feeds they can usually special order it for you. If not there are alot of mixs you can make.Like cat suggested and mine including the very simple one of any chicken layer pellet brand and the hard boiled egg yolks.(very old school) Just trying to make all this as easy as can be without being a chemist.

Glad they had the right food for ya country. All it takes is a little checking on our end.