When do I lower the protein for my ducklings?

[Puddingtheamericana]

i have 2 ducklings, both 2 weeks old now. we bought a 22% protein starter grower for them and they’ve been eating it for the past 2 weeks. I read that ducklings need 18-20% protein (22% was fine for me) for the first 2 weeks and then at 3-8 weeks they need to switch over to feed with a protein level of 15-16%. is this too early? I found some feed online with 16% protein for all flock type, duck included, and they said it wasn’t good for ducklings because the protein was too low. sooo, do i lower the protein now or later? is it safe to give them 16% feed right now?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I feed 20% at all life stages. Most people feed 18-20% for the ducks life with no issues.
What is the brand of feed your feeding?

 

[Puddingtheamericana]

I feed 20% at all life stages. Most people feed 18-20% for the ducks life with no issues.
What is the brand of feed your feeding?

the brand that was 16% is MannaPro all flock crumbles, and the current feed that’s 22% protein is MannaPro duckling & gosling starter grower

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I'd feed the rest of the starter/grower and switch when that's finished.

 

[Puddingtheamericana]

I'd feed the rest of the starter/grower and switch when that's finished.

okay thanks!

 

[indianaducks]

The ducklings I raised on the manna pro duck/gosling starter/grower have done the best. I had some ducklings later in the summer and couldn't get that food. I wasn't as pleased with how they did (a few had leg issues). My winter ducklings got spoiled and I ordered the manna pro on amazon and they've done great.

 

[Duckiiess]

Instead of jumping from 22 to 16, can mix the two feeds for a few weeks which would give you 19%.
I put my ducks on their adult feed at 5-6 weeks

 

[raingarden]

I feed 30% protein starter until I can't afford it any more, Then start mixing with grower or layer feed. Fortify the feed(s) with powdered Niacin supplement.

 

[SpaceRockOG]

I feed 30% protein starter until I can't afford it any more, Then start mixing with grower or layer feed. Fortify the feed(s) with powdered Niacin supplement.

Hello unrelated but what's your experience with 30% in terms of how many birds you've raised on it with no complications? When exactly do you make the switch? I am considering 3 weeks. Im a first timer and I am just really trying to prevent angel wing but I get mixed opinions on what causes it. I'm about 6 days in feeding my 9 ducks 30% flock raiser (more than a few people recommended it) with peas/grass/Melon and niacin supplement.

 

[DuneDucks]

Hello unrelated but what's your experience with 30% in terms of how many birds you've raised on it with no complications? When exactly do you make the switch? I am considering 3 weeks. Im a first timer and I am just really trying to prevent angel wing but I get mixed opinions on what causes it. I'm about 6 days in feeding my 9 ducks 30% flock raiser (more than a few people recommended it) with peas/grass/Melon and niacin supplement.

@raingarden I'm interested in hearing about this too. 30% protein is nearly twice the amount Dave Holderread recommends for raising healthy ducks. Do you raise broilers?

Another thing I see on here a lot, which Holderread explicitly advises against, is giving ducklings extra niacin for "good measure". Niacin can be toxic to ducks in high doses and even when not lethal can cause headaches, cramping, bloating, etc. Doesn't seem like many people on here experience that though?