What to feed my ducks?

[melissa826]

I have a dozen Blue Magpie ducks that are going on 2 months old. They are at this point making more of a mess with their starter feed than I think they are eating. I am ready to switch them but I am having some trouble figuring out if I switch them to Poultry Grower or Gamebird Grower.....The gamebird grower I buy for my turkeys says it is for turkeys and heavy breed gamebird. Does a duck fall into that? Or since they will be laying, do I do poultry until they get layer feed?

along the same lines...if I keep a mixed flock--males and females....can I keep them on a set feed and just add a bowl of oyster for the layers?

Thanks!

 

[Blackberry18]

They should have been switched to grower at 3 weeks. Get the Poultry Grower. Feed that for several weeks, then switch to Breeder.

 

[CarterCrazy]

I've got some stuff from Tractor Supply- Dumor Chick Starter/Grower. What is the difference between starter and grower, and how do they get away with having a single product for both? So much to learn!

 

[Blackberry18]

I've got some stuff from Tractor Supply- Dumor Chick Starter/Grower. What is the difference between starter and grower, and how do they get away with having a single product for both? So much to learn!

The Starter has more protein, calcium, and other nutrients than Grower. Grower has less than Breeder, though Breeder and Layer feed have much more calcium for laying.

 

[CMK4611]

Purina Flock Raiser can be used for a mixed flock and you can provide oyster shell on the side for your layers.

 

[melissa826]

Who makes "Breeder"? I've never heard of it and have only ever seen starter, grower/finisher, and layer. Breeder might be just what I need for all of our birds if I could find some!

 

[Blackberry18]

Who makes "Breeder"? I've never heard of it and have only ever seen starter, grower/finisher, and layer. Breeder might be just what I need for all of our birds if I could find some!

Breeder is a feed that is final for waterfowl, since waterfowl aren't always raised specifically for eggs or meat.

 

[melissa826]

Do you have a brand you could recommend? I can't seem to find anything...

 

[Blackberry18]

It's hard to find a Breeder mash for ducks, but I'd suggest All Purpose Back Yard Flock feed or Purina Flock Raiser. Both brands can be used for all types of poultry.

 

[lindsey1031]

I have not bought my duck yet but before I do I was trying to research what to feed them I have no idea what they eat. No store located around me sells duck feed but I know that when I buy one its going to be only a couple weeks. Can anyone please help me and it would have to be things I can go buy at a grocery store and make at home.