What to feed the ducks?

[AKnewbie]

Up til now, my chickens and ducks have been sharing feed and they've been having Flock Raiser.
Since I separated the ducks from my chickens, I have an option of feeding them separately as well.
The chickens are on layer feed now.
Should I put the ducks on layer feed as well? I have one drake and one hen duck.
Or should I just go with standard duck food?

 

[Kevin565]

Not if you have a drake. The excess calcium is terrible for their kidneys. I would stay on flock raiser and add in oyster shells once they are near laying.

 

[AKnewbie]

They are nearing laying age.. 18wks.
How do you manage to separate the food for the female duck and drake?

 

[Kevin565]

If you add in the oyster shells only the females that need them will eat them.

 

[AKnewbie]

Oh ok. That's great!
Final question...is flock raiser the only option for duck? Our local feed store has duck food that is 20% protein, I think. Can I feed that instead and just add oyster shells?
Thanks again for your help.

 

[Kevin565]

You'd need to check the calcium content which is the bigger concern when it comes to Drakes.

 

[DuckLady]

If you add the oyster shell in with the feed, any of the drakes or ducks will eat it.

It needs to be offered separately in order to avoid ingestion by all the birds.

 

[AKnewbie]

Gotcha. Thanks to you both.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

ducks arent similar to chickens with laying though 18 weeks is a ways off from laying age still.