Feeding ducklings and layers

[duckducksnooze]

Hi there

We have 5 ducklings approx 4.5-6 weeks old that have moved out into the run and sleep in the coop at night. We also picked up 2 one year old female runners and were able to introduce them into the flock fairly easily with no issues. This is our second batch of ducklings this year so we have a hang of how to handle them, but with the older birds we're a little confused on how to make sure the older girls are eating their layer feed. I've read it's not great for duckling to eat layer feed because the added calcium could be bad for their kidneys... and the layers need the extra calcium for their egg production. For those of you who have had to deal with this, what have you done?

Thanks!

 

[KathiQuacks]

I’d get a non-layer feed and have a separate bowl with crushed / flaked oyster shell. The hens will eat what they need, when they need it, and the ducklings should leave it be.

 

[duckducksnooze]

That makes sense, thanks.

Right now the ducklings are on a starter/grower feed of about 17% protein. Should we leave that out for them or can they just eat the non-layer feed?

 

[KathiQuacks]

I’d probably finish up the starter feed and slowly incorporate in the non-layer feed.

 

[duckducksnooze]

I’d probably finish up the starter feed and slowly incorporate in the non-layer feed.

Alright thanks!

Just so I'm clear (sorry I'm a little slow)..

Get a non-layer feed out for the hens and a separate bowl for oyster shells they'd eat at their leisure.

Continue to leave out a bowl of starter feed for the ducklings and towards the end of the bag, start introducing the non-layer feed.

Is that correct? Any concern with the hens eating the starter feed that's out for the ducklings?

 

[KathiQuacks]

No need to apologize.

Yes! That’s correct. I don’t believe it’s a problem for them to eat a bit of the starter.

 

[duckducksnooze]

No need to apologize.

Yes! That’s correct. I don’t believe it’s a problem for them to eat a bit of the starter.

Thanks so much.

We have a classic hen scratch feed that was given to us a couple months back. It's comprised of oats, wheat, barley, and corn (says no added protein, vitamins or minerals). I'm guessing that's not suitable in this scenario? Otherwise we'll go pick up some non-layer food tonight .

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thanks so much.

We have a classic hen scratch feed that was given to us a couple months back. It's comprised of oats, wheat, barley, and corn (says no added protein, vitamins or minerals). I'm guessing that's not suitable in this scenario? Otherwise we'll go pick up some non-layer food tonight .

It sounds like that is a treat feed not a complete feed.

If it's already a couple months old whatever nutrients it had are dissipating and it might be best just to throw it away. You were giving it a couple months ago but how long did they have it before you got it? I wouldn't trust it.

 

[duckducksnooze]

It sounds like that is a treat feed not a complete feed.

If it's already a couple months old whatever nutrients it had are dissipating and it might be best just to throw it away. You were giving it a couple months ago but how long did they have it before you got it? I wouldn't trust it.

About a month prior so approx 3 months old now.

Fair enough! We won't touch it. Thanks!