Fruit for ducklings?

[daidyducks]

I know that besides their feed I can also feed them fruit and veggies which is awesome! But Ive searched for what types of fruits and veggies I should give them and all Ive gotten is

a. apples
b. lettuce

|: Is this all there is?

I have 2 ducklings; 1 is a month old and the other is about 3 weeks or 2 1/2.
Ive been feeding them poultry starter feed from a feed store ever since they were a week old and I havent been able to give them any other sort of food

(sorry if this has already been posted but I cant seem to find anything relating to "duck feed" in the search bar

 

[Hixnstix]

I have fed my ducklings the same as chickens. Almost any veggie or fruit...the No no's are avacado, any citrus lemon, lime tangerine orange, and green potatoes, potatoes with green coloring. The other no no is chocolate or anything salty like pretzels and chips. My ducklings enjoyed strawberrys, blueberrys and anything else not mentioned above...they love treats especially grapes. (and rice & spagetti)

 

[daidyducks]

Nice! thanks! I was wondering if strawberries were good for them and do you happen to know if bananas are also good?


also, should I stop feeding them the starter feed I got for them and move to a lower protein feed? or are they good where they are ?

 

[Wifezilla]

Don't know about bananas (I am mildly allergic so don't buy them) but some of my ducks love strawberries. I feed them the tops after I clean them. They also love grapes. There is a grapevine that grows on the side of their pen. Anything on their side of the fence is fair game.

 

[daidyducks]

haha sounds like you wont have much trouble giving them their food >,<
Im now concerned about their feed since they have so many other options to eat

 

[duckyfromoz]

Apple should be cut into very small pieces- or shaved so they can shallow it- being the texture that it is- little ones could choke on a larger piece.

Peaches
Pear
Banana
Melons
Mangoes
Apricot
Grapes

Lettuce
Brocoli
Cauliflower
Peas
Beans
Corn
Carrot ( again finely chopped or shaved ) Are amoung the fruit and veges mine get . Also things like rice and pasta when I have cooked too much for dinner- but no meat.

Some they like more than others. Watermelon and mangoes are their absolute favorites though.

What percentage of protein is the current feed you have them on ?? If you are thinking of supplementing the poultry starter with fruit and vegetables at this age- it may be better to keep them on a higher protein level - but it depends on how much fruit and veg you were planning to give them.

 

[daidyducks]

Thank you SO much!

It all sounds very good

I was thinking about giving them half and half but as soon as I gave them a little piece of my banana they have put their feed aside and ignored it

Is it okay to give them only fruits and vegetables or should I give them their feed and 2ce a day give them fruits and veggies?

their protein now is about 20%

 

[duckyfromoz]

They definitely need to continue with starter or grower as well as fruit. If you were thinking of a half and half diet- the 20 % is what you should stick too. The feeds are manufactured to be a complete diet- so you risk them missing out on essential dietary requirements by substituting with too much fruit at this stage. Dont forget that fruit can be very high in sugars/ carbs as well.

When ducks are older living outside and able to forage for insects worms, and grazing as well - giving more fruit and vegetables is ok- but while they are still young and growing- its better to ensure their diet is the best possible to ensure you give them the best start in life.

 

[daidyducks]

I seeeee. Thanks it makes more sense when its put that way. I forgot that fruits are high in sugar.
I will keep them on their starter and once in a while give them fruits and veggies are snacks

Understood. Thanks!

 

[Bleenie]

WATERMELON... mine all went nuts over watermelon, lol. the chicks too!