If you’re thinking about getting ducks this video will help you decide if ducks are right for you. For instance, did you know ducks need water to eat? Watch this video to learn more fun duck facts from Nutrena Poultry Expert Twain Lockhart.
Nutrition For Ducks: Duck Tales – Nutrition Know-How
The following series will take you on a journey with Nutrena Poultry Expert, Twain Lockhart and his wife as they navigate the ins and outs of duck ownership and providing the right nutrition for ducks.
There’s a wealth of knowledge to gather when thinking about nutrition for your ducks.
One surprise for us right out of the gate, was we noticed these little guys REALLY put the groceries away.
A feed that has worked great for us is Nutrena Nature Wise 18% Non-Medicated Chick Feed, free choice, meaning as much as they want.
We also supplement with vitamins, electrolytes, and brewers yeast for birds. Baby chicken feed does not have quite enough Niacin for ducks as they can have leg issues if not given enough.
This was the reason for the additional supplements. It’s important to note, you do NOT want to use medicated chick feed, as the medication Amprolium is not approved for waterfowl.
Our ducklings will stay on this starter for about 6 weeks, then we will switch them over to a 16-18% Layer Feed.
Most waterfowl breeders recommend not exceeding 18% protein to avoid a condition called angel wing.
Many also like to dilute the feed with some scratch or oats.
Additionally, it’s recommended to continue to supplement with brewers yeast.
As with any birds, water access is important. I was reminded how much ducks love/need to keep the mucous membranes in their nostrils wet at all times, hence the continual mess in and around the water bowl.
This serves as a great reminder to not try to brood baby chicks with ducklings.
Changing out water often and allowing an absorbent surface for the waterers are very helpful tip for new duck owners.
Check back next month for more duck tales adventures as we dive deeper into the winter care for ducks.
Duck Tales – Newbie Confessions
The following series will take you on a journey with Nutrena Poultry Expert, Twain Lockhart and his wife as they navigate the ins and outs of duck ownership.
Recently, my wife and I were at our local farm store and we heard chirping. Wait, scratch that, quacking.
As we followed the sound, we discovered 2 lonely ducklings left in the brooder. First, let me give you a little background.
I have been presenting poultry seminars for roughly 6 years, about 50-60 per year. When asked how I feel about ducks, I would usually give a colorful answer.
I am NOT a duck guy. Messy does not begin to describe them.
They are tougher than nails but carry all sorts of diseases that will kill my precious chickens, or so I thought. So, when my wife says, “Oh honey, we need to take them home!” My answer was an immediate “NO! Never!” So as it goes in marriage, we compromised, and I found myself driving home these little ducklings.
To my wife’s credit, she researched brooding ducks extensively. The first step was to put a doggie pad down under a thin layer of shavings. This helped a lot.
In her research, we also discovered ducks need for their mucous membranes to be wet for them to eat. Although it still just looks like they are playing in the water.
My wife bestowed them the names Steve and Bob, as I knew we had 2 drakes (males). They go through feed like crazy, so be prepared. Also, as a side note, do not use medicated chick feed on waterfowl.
Additionally, we discovered that they need more Niacin then baby chickens, so we gave them vitamins and electrolytes that contained Niacin.
Eventually, my wife bought some specialized Brewers Yeast online to mix in their feed for little expense. She cleaned the brooder every day, and while it was being cleaned, Bob and Steve went for a swim in the sink.
Initially we had the water shallow enough they could stand up. After the swim, we bleached the sink out for biosecurity purposes.
I have to say, they are tons of fun and they are starting to grow on me, though I wouldn’t admit it. They have grown like crazy, and at 4 weeks we moved them outside.
Check back next month for more duck tales adventures as we dive deeper into the nutritional needs of ducks.