In about a week or two i will have to make the transition from starter feed to grower feed. there is no where around me that sells grower feed. They only sell starter /grower it is supposed to have the same about of nutrients to be a starter and grower and you feed it until 10 weeks of age. it is non-medicated and 20% protein. Is this alright to feed?
George
If thats all you can get thats all you can feed them, is that special food for ducks because they can be fed chicken food, most here do that,
what are they then fed from 10 weeks old because here we tend to keep them on the growers until they reach point of lay then begin layer pellets
They are then fed a grower/layer
should be fine then George, isn't it strange how different our countries can be in the way they do things
others on here feed different again but not sure what just wheat I think, sure they will tell you what when they see your question
hope you are having lots of fun with them
Hello George,
I'm glad you asked the question about feed, as I have questions too about whether I am using the proper food for my ducks. I live in central New Jersey in a rural town that has lots of horse farms and people that keep assorted poultry and other farm animals. I will share what I've been doing, but probably have more questions than answers unfortunately.
I thought it was interesting that Mo says they use chicken food in the UK for their ducks. I wonder if that is different or less expensive than what I've been using.
I'm pretty new to ducks too, having adopted three that showed up in my yard at the end of last summer (two most likely were dumped on the lake across from my house and found their way into my yard, and the third was a duckling that was abandoned in my yard by one of the feral farm ducks that live on the lake).
When I had asked at the feed store for duck food, they gave me "Gamebird Pellets" and that is what I've been feeding my three until I changed to "Layer's Pellets" when the two girls began laying eggs about a month ago. (The bag says "Gamebird Pellets" also, but apparently has different levels of nutrients).
I feed the lake ducks and wild mallards that visit my yard "Cracked Corn" in the summer and "Scratch Feed" (a mix of wheat and corn) in the winter, because it is less expensive than the pellet food since they are getting their main meals in the wild and are just coming to my house for 'snacks'.
Does this sound right to you experienced duck owners out there.....? Any suggestions or comments would be most helpful.
Blessings,
Dottie
Hi Dottie,
Sounds good to me. Like Mo I use chicken layers pellets (chick crumbs for ducklings and growers pellets as they grow) mixed with wheat, either whole or crushed.
I've just bought some waterfowl pellets (on recommendation) but I will mix it with the chcken pellets because it's 25% more expensive.
If they are free ranging then they will pick up a lot of the nutrients they need in thier foraging.
Katy
Thanks Katy,
For the time being the yard that they are in is just dirt and mud (which they love!) but no grass, because we had it tilled up when we removed bamboo that had taken over the yard. We will be landscaping and planting grass soon.
Blessings,
Dottie
sorry cant add anymore than you have all said but Dottie mud is what mine love dont cover it all in grass that was my mistake in their pen so ended up digging part of the grass up again lol
Hi all, well after the initional stages of babies and growers for meat and eggs .I only fed wheat or corn depending on the weather and birds .Really do beleive though it's all down to what we all feel happy with .If the birds are laying well the you got it right if they aren't then you haven't whatever breed we have .Mama
Right on Mama, and Mo.
Dirt is where they get worms, insects and minerals. My birds think dirt is good. Mind you they also like a bit of grass if they can get it.
Whatever works for you. Wouldn't mind betting if you ask 10 people on here you'd get 10 answers and 10 lots of happy, healthy birds.
Katy
So is the "scratch feed" that I referred to here (wheat and corn) chicken feed and what some of you are feeding your ducks?
I will check with the feed store to see if what I am using is for chickens and ducks or just ducks. I want to give them what they need but don't particularly want to pay more than I have to either.
They do get unlimited foraging opportunities (thanks for the advice Mo to keep some of the mud area for them) and I do give them treats when available as well such as tomatoes and other veggies. Will be getting more veggies this summer as I plan to have a garden for them and me!
George, I can't wait to see photos of your babies....they must be so cute.
Blessings all,
Dottie
dottie this is what I feed mine the ingredients are listed
http://www.smallholderfeed.co.uk/Products/Layers/Natural-Free-Range-Layer-Pellets-Meal.aspx
Thank you Mo.
I will check that out compared to what I have when I get back to my home.
You must log in to post.