⠀ What to feed a mixed flock?

[NOLA70123]

I have a small backyard flock consisting of 6 Silkies, 2 bantam Orpingtons, 2 bantam Cochins, 1 Sebright and 3 Whistling Tree Ducks. I started with only Silkies and have been feeding them Purina Starter & Grower as recommended by most Silkie breeders.

Now that I have a mixed flock should I be feeding them something else? I'm not having any trouble with egg quality or shell thickness. Should I feed the ducks (who, I found out, are more closely related to geese than other ducks) something else?

 

[teach1rusl]

What is the age range of your mixed flock? Since you're getting eggs, I know some of them are at least mature enough for that... You could do an AllFlock feed and offer oyster shell free choice for those that need it...

If all are of laying age, I'd probably opt for a general layer feed, even for the ducks...crumbles since you have some small birds.

 

[NOLA70123]

Thank you for your response. The chickens range in age from 3 - 21 months. The ducks are 8 weeks old.

 

[teach1rusl]

Hmmm...so with the 8 week ducklings, some would say don't give layer feed due to the higher calcium content. I don't worry too much about that myself. But if you want to err on the side of caution, go with one bag of allflock, and then switch over to a general layer feed. Remember to offer the oyster shell on the side though while not on a layer feed...

 

[NOLA70123]

Sounds like a great game plan.
Thanks!

 

[DrMikelleRoeder]

Feeding mixed flocks can be a challenge. If your flock members are all of laying age and you are raising them for egg production, I would recommend feeding them a complete layer feed, such as Purina Layena Crumbles or Pellets. Ducks do well on Layena and this option will allow your birds to be provided with enough calcium, manganese and trace minerals so that egg shell strength doesn’t become an issue – it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to flock nutrition. If a portion of your flock is not laying and you cannot separate them, then your best option is to feed Flock Raiser and supplement with oyster shell to support eggshell integrity.

 

[NOLA70123]

Your timing is perfect Dr. Roeder. I'm nearing the end of the bag of Start &Grow feed I had already. The ducks will be 3 months old this weekend and the youngest chickens will be 4 and 5 months old. I'll buy a bag of Flock Raiser and free choice oyster shell which should last long enough so that I can switch to Layena after that.
Thanks for the advice!!!