What to feed 3 month Muscovy?

[Miss Lydia]

Whole oats not the quick stuff that has sugar in it. i can't get it here but some places do sell oats for livestock. I buy dog food for small dogs so it is perfect for them and my weiner dog. Sounds like you have your work cut out for you but I'd just stay with the starter and add some crushed up dog food for extra protein and something for calcium once she begins to lay. I will say this my Muscovy would probably eat nothing but dog food if I gave it to them they love it better mealworms. Not saying this should be a sole diet but it is a good way to get the protein in them they need. You geese don't like greens? That's strange since geese are grazers.We have an educator here on BYC who feeds starter to all her birds young and on. I mix it with layer to cut the calcium since I have drakes. and offer oyster shells separately.

 

[joya250]

Whole oats not the quick stuff that has sugar in it. i can't get it here but some places do sell oats for livestock. I buy dog food for small dogs so it is perfect for them and my weiner dog. Sounds like you have your work cut out for you but I will say this my Muscovy would probably eat nothing but dog food if I gave it to them they love it over mealworms. Not saying this should be a sole diet but it is a good way to get the protein in them they need. You geese don't like greens? That's strange since geese are grazers.

They eat grass and some plants... but won't eat lettuce or spinach or other leafy greens that we humans eat. Silly Geese.

 

[skeeeter]

Hi, let me suggest, you can set out a pan of water under a low wattage electric light (not too close) and you will catch enough insect food for her to boost vitamin and protein content of the starter feed. At 3- 4 months, you still have to watch out for angelwing.. so if your duck can get out and around during the day, she will get enough protein and vitamins from grass and bugs. Also, ducks are tops for eating up all the mosquitos! Later, when she starts to lay, If you can't get oystershells, you can give crushed dried eggshells in a separate cup or in a pinch calcium tablets from the store maybe your pharmacy has a cheap brand. I have even had to use lemon juice & hydrated lime before (2cups lemon juice : .33cup lime). Mix it carefully in plastic, you don't want lime dust in your eyes or lungs. It gets warm but not too hot.

 

[joya250]

hola, swinging back around to check in, and make sure I am doing it right! Lucky Duck is happily eating dog kibble. (She won't touch the crumble any more.) She has access to outside grass/bugs for during the day when she is outside in her enclosure. I still bring her in to sleep in her basket at night since it is pouring rain now for months and there is no solid roof to keep her dry/warm/cozy at night. I am working on getting a box-type construction made for her to go in when she is ready to lay eggs. I think I have another month or so before that happens!

I DID find nutritional yeast. How should I be giving that to her?

And as far as the dog kibble goes, how much should she be eating? I give her handfuls throughout the day. She also gets lettuce and peas on occasion, though she is getting much more picky. I will need to give her crushed up egg shells I guess when she is ready to lay, because I don't know where to get oyster shells (unless that is something I can order online.)

It is interesting to see her change. She used to run TO me and want to cudddle. Now she runs AWAY from me, and only endures cuddles sometimes. I want her to be the happiest she can, and want to make sure I am providing the best I can under the circumstances.

My female goose continues to be aggressive towards Luck, so I cannot leave her unattended and loose in the backyard with the geese. I hope that changes, but it may not. Hence, the need for a secure box for her to nest and lay in.

Anyway, that's all for now. She's currently happily chirping under the couch! Clean up is a constant, but definitely worth it.

(btw, I think we are starting to resemble each other!! LOLOLOL)