When do I lower the protein for my ducklings?

[raingarden]

The Purina 30% protein Gamebird Starter is just that; a starter feed. Some people (like those raising game fowl) use it for the life of the bird. I use it for any poultry that is actively growing making new bone, tissue and feathers. Once they are fully feathered a lower protein all-flock or triple duty feed is mixed in. When they are at the point of lay they are transitioned to a laying feed. Really finicky birds may get a mix of whole grains (corn and wheat) plus the 30%P crumbles but that combination does not make a high-protein diet.

I've never noticed any developmental problems unless you count floppy combs on cemani. If the ducks get headaches from too much niacin they don't tell me about it.

 

[DuneDucks]

The Purina 30% protein Gamebird Starter is just that; a starter feed. Some people (like those raising game fowl) use it for the life of the bird. I use it when the bird is actively growing making new bone, tissue and feathers. Once they are fully feathered a lower protein all-flock or triple duty feed is mixed in. When they are at the point of lay they are transitioned to a laying feed. Really finicky birds may get a mix of whole grains (corn and wheat) plus the 30%P crumbles but that combination does not make a high-protein diet.

Right, gamebird starter, which is why we're asking your experience using it on ducks. Genuinely wondering if you've had any issues with angel wing or the like. Apologize if it seemed I was being critical, but according to Dave Holderread 20% protein after 2 weeks is very much a high protein diet for ducks. I have no reason to doubt anything I've read in his guide to raising ducks.

How would someone know that a duck has a headache?

No idea but I assume Dave Holderread and his 50 years of duck raising experience isn't just making things up...

 

[raingarden]

Right, gamebird starter, which is why we're asking your experience using it on ducks. Genuinely wondering if you've had any issues with angel wing or the like. Apologize if it seemed I was being critical, but according to Dave Holderread 20% protein after 2 weeks is very much a high protein diet for ducks. I have no reason to doubt anything I've read in his guide to raising ducks.


No idea but I assume Dave Holderread and his 50 years of duck raising experience isn't just making things up...

Like I said, I haven't noticed any developmental problems including angelwing, bowed or weak legs. Being undeterred, I will continue to do it my way. But, I won't mention it again if that makes you happy.

 

[DuneDucks]

Like I said, I haven't noticed any developmental problems. Being undeterred, I will continue to do it my way.

Ahh you edited that in while I was making my response. My bad. Again, sorry if I offended you. Not trying to tell you your way is wrong or anything; just trying to have a conversation as I've read conflicting info on the subject.

Idk what's up with all the defensive edits but okay... We don't have to have a conversation if it makes you uncomfortable...

 

[Mother-Hen-Michele]

We are all trying to do our best, and sometimes it is overwhelming with all the contradictory information. We all want to do "perfect" and it is just too many variables to do it even close to "correct".

Don't forget that there are very different needs for different types of ducks. A runner, a Pékin and a Mallard are so very different in their needs it makes our heads spin.

All the best to you .. don't forget to put in updates and to share your experiences (especially the errors) it is hard to do, but you might help ease suffering of others so it matters.