when should my ducklings switch from starter feed?

[thtgrltaco]

hey all,
im a first time duck owner, (they are more indoor pets) and i frequent this site often and its helped alot.
my question is:
sherlock and watson (the ducklings) are three weeks old as of tuesday and i was just wondering when i should switch them from starter food to grower food. it seems like no two websites have the same answer! they still seem to be having trouble chewing up large bits of food so i thought they may still be too young? i really dont want to mess up their diets or let them intake too much protein as i see that can be an issue.
ALSO!
what do u usually feed your ducks as treats? i work from home so i spend all my time with them and i notice that they are very smart and id like to reward them for some of the awesome things they do! ive been giving them dried bananas (moistened so they can chew and swallow them) and they love it! i just dont know how good it is for them!

 

[Duckopolis]

First off,

Good luck in finding all you need to know! I switched mine to grower feed at five weeks old. FRESH fruit and veggies is okay to give them as treats...but not all of the time. I give mine dried mealworms.

 

[Finny]

Swith them to grower feed at 8 weeks old. Good luck

 

[BooBoo45]

This seems to be how long is a piece of sting as an answer, everyone will have read or seen something different - the duckling crumbs packaging states to start the change over at 4 weeks with the brand I have. To introduce the follow on small pellets mixed in with the crumbs.

My ducklings are just over two weeks old, they love playing with a cabbage leaf (I stay with them, they aren't alone). They really like me breaking the raw cabbage into tiny pieces and hand feeding them too. I also give them cooked cabbage chopped up into small pieces and the dish is empty in no time. I've experimented with cooked carrots but they weren't as keen with that.

 

[Going Quackers]

Depends lol look at the bag, the tag will direct you on when they feel the product can be used.. some growers as young as 4wks.. if you have bantam ducks it may be a bit longer or better to try a grower that is a crumb.

As for treats, have you see this chart?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/242460/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements

I like to give ducklings lettuce not loads but a bit with some grit, always add grit for any feed beyond the staple diet. My youngest here are 2.5 turning 3wks...

I usually start by about a week or so.. i have been known to toss some peas in the tub during bath time too ... the chart will help you with foods okay for young birds vs older.

Not to many though, you want to ensure they get the basic feed to grow.

Have you seen our raising duck sticky? i'll include it too.. helpful advice there.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/750869/raising-and-caring-for-ducklings#post_10611711

 

[thtgrltaco]

Thank you, youvetall been so helpful and friendly. That treat list thread is awesome, Thank you!!