Why do ducks grow so fast

[astrelec]

I have had my Pekins and Mallard ducklings for almost 4 weeks - AND THERE HUGE! They grow up so fast. I thought I’d recreate some photos and share. Only one mallard since they hate being handled so much!

 

[CoriM]

I know, it's sad how fast that cute baby stage goes!

 

[Isaac 0]

Adorable!

I see in a few pictures their feet are overlapping, are you providing them a niacin supplement or feeding them a feed formulated for duck?.

 

[CoriM]

Agree with Master of Clucker, the pekins especially seem to need extra niacin, or Vitamin B complex to help keep their legs strong and growing correctly. Might be good to start them on that now problems don't develop, the little one who looks pigeon-toed might already be facing issues. It will help immensely, and the sooner you get them on the supplements the better off they will be.

 

[Isaac 0]

I have had my Pekins and Mallard ducklings for almost 4 weeks - AND THERE HUGE! They grow up so fast. I thought I’d recreate some photos and share. Only one mallard since they hate being handled so much!

Also.... Welcome to BYC!

 

[astrelec]

Adorable!

I see in a few pictures their feet are overlapping, are you providing them a niacin supplement or feeding them a feed formulated for duck?.

I read that the first few weeks they need to be on unmediated chick feed, but i recently switched them over to adult duck food. I need to buy more soon, is there a brand i can get that would better correct this issue?

 

[Isaac 0]

I read that the first few weeks they need to be on unmediated chick feed, but i recently switched them over to adult duck food. I need to buy more soon, is there a brand i can get that would better correct this issue?

Can you post a picture of what you have? Their feet do look pretty bad, so I would suggest getting them started on Cattle B Injectable Complex, Durvet Brand, 1ml a day for each duckling until symptoms improve, it can be put over their favorite treat or administer orally with a syringe or eyedropper. You can do this for the ones that aren't showing symptoms as well as a precautionary measure.

 

[Isaac 0]

For ducks of all growth stages, Purina Rasier Feed, All Flock feed or a feed formulated for ducks would be great.

 

[astrelec]

I read that the first few weeks they need to be on unmediated chick feed, but i recently switched them over to adult duck food. I need to buy more soon, is there a brand i can get that would better correct this issue?

they are four weeks old now and i have noticed this. they trip and stumble a good bit when walking. i assumed it’s because they are growing so much. i will definitely look into it. We do not intend to have them as meat ducks, more of pets, so i want to do what is best for them so they are happy and healthy. I’m going to TSC tomorrow so i’ll look into niacin supplements

 

[Isaac 0]

e noticed this. they trip and stumble a good bit when walking. i assumed it’s because they are growing so much. i will definitely look into it. We do not intend to have them as meat ducks, more of pets, so i want to do what is best for them so they are happy and healthy. I’m going to TSC tomorrow so i’ll look into niacin supplements

Yes, Sounds like they are pigeon-toed. I highly suggest getting the brand I mentioned, TSC should have it.