how does feeding greens affect duckling nutrition?

[DidIt4DaChicks]

I'm feeding my ducklings a 20% protein starter/grower, and wanting to start lowering the protein ratio in thier food a little. They are also eating a lot (or what seems like a lot) of chopped greens, I'm giving them a few handfulls a day and they always want more. How much will all of the low protein greens affect the the nutritional requirements for their regular feed? Also, is there a limit to how much greens they should eat, or is it ok to give them as much as they want?

 

[Willowbrook]

I don't know that I can address the issue of lowering protein as I feed my ducks, from ducking through their entire lives, a 21% starter/grower. I have found that this works very well for them and me.
Greens can be fed as often as you like and I don't think you'll find your ducks ever get full on them. Select nutrient-dense greens such as collards, turnips, mustards, kale, spinach, etc.
I don't know if your ducks are free range or not, but if they are, their grazing will lower the protein in their diet as they will supplement their daily ration with foods found in nature.

 

[DidIt4DaChicks]

Thank you, that's very helpful. I think I might just be worrying about it a little too much.

 

[duckluck]

I thought I might mention that I am trying out a dried green product that is produced locally here by a lady named Virginia Enriquez. Her business name is Cockatiel Kingdom; she caters to the caged bird set but I thought I would try and help her out too by mentioning her here. It is very fresh and smells good and the ducklings love it...we'll see how they do with it before they get to go outside. Trying to keep the mess to a minimum and this helps!

 

[WadeMD]

Don't forget as well that fresh greens will provide nutrients (specifically vitamins, pigments, degradable fatty acids and amino acids, etc) that they will not get from feed alone. A reduction in protein is not a problem unless you are growing them to be fatty meat birds. Slowing initial growth doesn't seem to hurt anything and may actually promote health (it does in almost all species tested so far). Keep feeding fresh veg imo. It will make for healthier birds down the road.

 

[Amiga]

I agree with WadeMD, fresh greens provide what even a balanced dried ration cannot. I don't know how many ducklings are getting the greens you mention, but I doubt you are overdoing it. I feed about two cups a day (not much, really) to my eleven runners who are three weeks old. So far we have enjoyed mixed young greens, watercress, and dandelion.

As I introduce new foods to the ducklings, I start with a fairly small amount and watch. I make sure no one is choking or struggling to get the food down, and after a few hours I look at their feces to see if it looks okay. I also watch their behavior to make sure they seem to be feeling well.

I chop the greens up pretty finely so no one chokes. This will become less necessary as they grow.

Good to see you are interested in taking good care of your birds!

 

[DidIt4DaChicks]

I'm definitely going to keep feeding them greens, was just wondering how I need to factor them into the overall nutritional plan. I wanted to start reducing the protein a little because I had read it was healthier for the birds, and although I might eat the extra drakes, this is mostly going to be a laying and breeding flock. So far I've been giving a handfull (probably about half a cup chopped) of finely chopped baby mixed greens, kale, watercress, and chard to my 10 ducklings about three times a day, they're only a week old so I figure I'll keep giving them more as they grow. Very glad to hear it sounds like I'm doing o.k.

Also, I was just reading the duck snacks thread and it mentioned not giving ducks spinach? Why is that? I've been giving mine some baby spinach in the mixed greens and so far it seems ok....but if it's not good for them I'll stop.

 

[WadeMD]

I have been feeding mine chopped/mashed: pre-cooked peas & carrots (very few); lettuces; grapes; corn; squash and zucchini (no skins) - in combination or alone. I mix it into cool vitamin mixed water (use the pre-packaged vitamins) and stand back. They are amazingly fast eaters and they love it. Typically only provide it once per day.

As for spinach, I can't imagine feeding small amounts mixed with other veggies is an issue, but with the concerns over calcium absorption, I wouldn't overdo it at once. It does provide a nice source of vitamins and iron.

- - Now where did Amiga get dandelions this time of year!?

 

[Wifezilla]

I have free choice 24% game bird feed for my ducks and they get greens daily. I see no reason to reduce the protein percentage.

 

[Lund121671]

actually I think greens (depending on them) are also very high in protien! When you free range ducks/geese and they have the choice of feed or grass ours always go for the grass and leave the feed! Great on the pocket book.