When should goslings diet be switched from Mazuri Starter to Maintenance?

[Ephyra]

Thanks!!

 

[Percheron chick]

When the bag runs out. Get them out on grass too.

 

[Ephyra]

Thanks! Sometimes bags might run out at different times because people have varying amounts of waterfowl but I'm sure that's a good rule of thumb! Just in case anyone else is googling this or something though, I e-mailed Mazuri and they said when they are fully feathered which is between 7 and 9 weeks old

 

[Iain Utah]

Personally, I start my goslings on mazuri maintenance, and use a garlic press to crush into crumbles until old enough to eat whole pellet. Also, they only get about 25% grain, and primarily feed greens. I start day-olds with chopped romaine lettuce, and quickly switch to grass once they are drinking water well.

Grain heavy diets with high protein are designed to get goslings to full size as soon as possible, without any concerns for bone density, muscle development and angelwing. I want the opposite for my birds.

 

[Ephyra]

That is GREAT to know, thanks so much! Wow, I wish I knew this before... I always hear that Mazuri is the best, Mazuri works miracles so I thought that was ideal for them. I thought I was supposed to be limiting the grass and greens because they wouldn't get ideal nutrition. It makes sense that grass/greens would be healthier though - I think the first ingredient in Mazuri is actually corn? I will start slowly decreasing the Mazuri today. All my babies are beloved pets, so I hope I didn't hurt their long term health...