When to switch to grower feed?

[albinosilver]

I'm new to ducks but the feed suggested to me at the supply store is RanchPro gamebird starter-grower. It's protein content says 28% and the tag says ducks can use it as a complete ration until 14 weeks. It is a 40lb bag and the guy at the store said since we got 4 ducks just use it till it was gone and then switch to the regular gamebird ration. Thoughts?

That seems really high in protein to be used for that long. I'd be afraid they would get angel wing or something but I don't have experience with that.

 

[Starter Flock]

When I researched duck feed after already having bought this, the protein did seem high compared to what I was reading on different sites. I'm considering going and getting a lower protein feed now and just mixing the 2 together. I would hate to cause them a problem that could be avoided, even if the tag says its ok.

 

[happy duck]

I've been meaning to do this for awhile so I went to the garden shed and took a picture of the back of the bag. I hope it is readable. View attachment 1773011

This is what I used for my ducks and it worked great!

 

[Jpat]

most Starters and high protein feeds are for growing as big as possible as fast as possible. reach market size then butcher

So lower protein feed is fine if its a complete ration with vitamins and exercise and treats sometimes... They might grow slower but its probably more "natural" growth.

i feed duck grower pellets as soon as they can eat pellets, and switch to duck layer when they are egg laying age

Feed could be discussed for 100 years and no one would ever agree on anything

 

[Jpat]

Keep the high protein feed for when they molt or the ontario winters

 

[Starter Flock]

most Starters and high protein feeds are for growing as big as possible as fast as possible. reach market size then butcher

So lower protein feed is fine if its a complete ration with vitamins and exercise and treats sometimes... They might grow slower but its probably more "natural" growth.

i feed duck grower pellets as soon as they can eat pellets, and switch to duck layer when they are egg laying age

Feed could be discussed for 100 years and no one would ever agree on anything

The gentleman giving me the advice at the store raised his ducks for meat so that makes sense.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I believe @casportpony starts hers out on Turkey starter I don’t know when she switches though maybe she’ll chime in?

 

[Jpat]

The gentleman giving me the advice at the store raised his ducks for meat so that makes sense.

Yeah! So for pets your not looking too butcher in 8 weeks, its better for joints and muscles to grow a little slower

ide get them on duck grower as soon as they can eat pellets, and use the crumbles to mix in feed later in life when they need it

 

[Jpat]

i will add i hate discussing feed because of so many opinions on it

The easiest answer is
-Feed crumble starter for 8 weeks
-Switch to grower pellets
-First egg layed, switch to layer pellets

whatever casportpony seys ide go with that

 

[casportpony]

I believe @casportpony starts hers out on Turkey starter I don’t know when she switches though maybe she’ll chime in?

Yes, I feed mine 27% turkey starter until they are almost fully feathered. Turkey poults and duckling have almost identical niacin requirements, so by doing this I don't need to supplement any niacin.