Best Starter Feed For Duckling

[GrayRider]

I'm wondering if anyone makes an actual duckling starter feed. I have 10 Welsh Harlequin ducklings coming next week. Most of the info I read recommends an 18-20% non medicated chick starter for 3-4 weeks if a waterfowl starter is not available. Seems like all the feed stores here in east central Florida only carry medicated chick starter, supposedly a big no no for ducklings.

Just wondering what most folks use and what has given the best results.

 

[Amiga]

I was blessed in that the local Agway carried a turkey-watefowl starter.

 

[Going Quackers]

Can you find an all flock/flock raiser/ multi purpose feed? that is what i always use... a muli purpose.. less hassle that way, anybody can eat it lol

 

[jenniemig]

I started mine on non-medicated chick starter, now after doing some research it was not the best choice. I ordered Mazuri Waterfowl Starter, it has the extra vitamins ducklings need.

 

[country_girl011]

I'm wondering if anyone makes an actual duckling starter feed. I have 10 Welsh Harlequin ducklings coming next week. Most of the info I read recommends an 18-20% non medicated chick starter for 3-4 weeks if a waterfowl starter is not available. Seems like all the feed stores here in east central Florida only carry medicated chick starter, supposedly a big no no for ducklings.

Just wondering what most folks use and what has given the best results.

the whole non medicated only feed is actually a mute point now.
medicated feed is fine for ducklings.
it was back in the day that it was dangerous because of the type of medication used.
if you feed chick starter just add some niacin or brewers yeast.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have always used Purina Flock Raiser it is formulated for all species of poultry and comes in a crumble. One thing I really like about is they can eat it from hatch through their life. So you don't have to worry about changing to a different feed as they age.

 

[GrayRider]

Thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I can get Flock Raiser locally so I'll probably give that a try. I can also get Game Bird starter (Nutrena) which has ducklings and goslings listed on the bag, however the protein level seems a bit high (30%) for the long term. The feed store owner claims he uses the Game Bird starter on his own ducklings with no issues.

 

[Going Quackers]

Thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I can get Flock Raiser locally so I'll probably give that a try. I can also get Game Bird starter (Nutrena) which has ducklings and goslings listed on the bag, however the protein level seems a bit high (30%) for the long term. The feed store owner claims he uses the Game Bird starter on his own ducklings with no issues.

I'd go with the flock raiser, while i am sure some do use a 30% i am not of the mindset to do so here... a lot of debate on protein that high..

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I can get Flock Raiser locally so I'll probably give that a try. I can also get Game Bird starter (Nutrena) which has ducklings and goslings listed on the bag, however the protein level seems a bit high (30%) for the long term. The feed store owner claims he uses the Game Bird starter on his own ducklings with no issues.

That does seem high in protein, I'd would be concerned about angel wing if I was feeding protein that high.

 

[Going Quackers]

That does seem high in protein, I'd would be concerned about angel wing if I was feeding protein that high.

Not just that either.. grows 'em awfully fast and hard, better for ducks being processed imo.