Are ducks ever NOT hungry?

[Conan]

I have a mixed waterfowl flock of 16 standard ducks, 2 geese, 8 calls, and a mixed flock of 17 chickens ranging from OEGBs to Brahma. I go through 300 pounds of feed a month in winter. Significantly less in spring and summer. They all eat the same feed at 18-20% protein. The ducks are absolutely pigs. They hammer food. I keep no food or water in their coop, though. They eat during the day. I will say that the ducks far outperform the chickens in regards to laying, so at least they earn their keep.

 

[Mandrogora]

I feed 20% protein all flock crumble. I have 13 ducks, also a mixed breed flock. They have two 5 quart feed pans which are filled in the morning. That usually lasts through the day. On really cold days I might need to add a little extra before bed. I've tried a locally produced 16% targeted specifically for waterfowl and they didn't tolerate it well at all. They started shivering and acting cold all the time. I've found the higher protein works best for my flock. I also have 9 chickens who eat the same feed and as you mentioned above I only have to fill their feeders every couple days. I purchase 200 lbs of feed a month for 13 ducks and 9 chickens.

 

[featherhead007]

I have a mixed waterfowl flock of 16 standard ducks, 2 geese, 8 calls, and a mixed flock of 17 chickens ranging from OEGBs to Brahma. I go through 300 pounds of feed a month in winter. Significantly less in spring and summer. They all eat the same feed at 18-20% protein. The ducks are absolutely pigs. They hammer food. I keep no food or water in their coop, though. They eat during the the day. I will say that the ducks far outperform the chickens in regards to laying, so at least they earn their keep.

I have never eaten a duck egg, are they comparable to hen eggs?

 

[Conan]

I have never eaten a duck egg, are they comparable to hen eggs?

I personally like duck eggs more than chicken eggs. They have huge, creamy yolks and firm whites. They are delicious.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Yes, there was one day when my Duckies were NOT hungry! And you don't want that! It was bad to have 17 puking ducks, i can't imagine how that would have been with 43 ducks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/omg-i-think-i-killed-all-my-ducks-help.1322167/
Blanca Duck is the only exception, she is ALWAYS hungry. She swallows a mouse and comes running at me asking for a desert. She must have a black hole in her stomach…
My Duckies have a »no waste feeder« with three ports, see here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/no-waste-feeder.1153175/ and they go through 50lbs of duck-food in 8-10 days, depending on what they find outside and how many are laying eggs. Do the math, 50lbs divided by 24 ducks divided by 8 days equals to 0.26 lbs (4.16Oz, 117gr. per duck per day). Some ducks lay eggs with more than 100gr (3.6Oz) daily, so they won't get fat with all the foraging, running and pranking…

 

[featherhead007]

I personally like duck eggs more than chicken eggs. They have huge, creamy yolks and firm whites. They are delicious.

Thanks, I may try some soon

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

I have never eaten a duck egg, are they comparable to hen eggs?

Better! (Imho!) - The yolk to albumin ratio is higher and the eggs have a firmer texture. I love them boiled and scrambled and they are great for baking. Pancakes don't need any baking powder with duck-eggs.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Why have 43 Ducks? Selling as meat or eggs?

I love ducks. Period. I have the room, I have a large farm, this is my hobby, my dream come true and I have a great husband. We don’t sell or eat ducks.

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Here is some info from "Stories Guide to raising ducks" The author dave holderread is the authority on duck breeding in North America.

He says 16% or 18% layer feed in the summer and 12-14% maintenance feed when not laying. Also said you can mix in grains to dilute the protein% . Here is a handy feed calculator to help you figure that out.

https://www.metzerfarms.com/FeedConversion.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=24683787

Also large (8-9lbs) ducks should be getting. 3 to .45 lbs when not producing and .45-.6 when producing.

Small ducks (4-5 lbs) .2-.3 lbs maintenance and .3-.4 laying

In the book dave recounts a story when a customer said that his ducks were eating 2 lbs of food a day. Turns out it's not possible for ducks to eat that much, rats were responsible.

Well, I watch them eat the feed so there are no rats. We use rubber made tubs and no nibbles through them. My feed room is fully secured like Fort Knox because we have goats and they’ll die if they get in.

 

[chickens really]

I love ducks. Period. I have the room, I have a large farm, this is my hobby, my dream come true and I have a great husband. We don’t sell or eat ducks.

With that said..
I love Ducks too but don't keep 43..