Yes, I believe the layers need a little bit more protein.
I will say that diet is a tricky combination of art and science, and there are so many different experiences.
For us, I use an organic layer - Blue Seal is what I can find - and I supplement. Yes, even the drake gets the layer feed. But I supplement with peas as treats, and for the Buffs flock (he is part of that flock) their extra calcium is free choice oyster shell, and he does not eat that.
Everybody gets a little bit of good quality dry cat kibble to pop up the protein - especially now nearly half are molting.
My Runners have a harder time getting enough calcium from the layer, so I supplement them with dissolved calcium citrate, about 50 to 80 mg per duck per day in their food.
In the summer, when the ducks forage, I reckon they skew their protein percentages and calcium percentages by what they find to eat in the yard. I try not to worry but I am constantly thinking about their diet and nutrition and how to make sure everyone gets optimal feeding for their long term health.
