The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: kaz on April 15, 2012, 10:20:41 pm

Title: Ducklings feed
Post by: kaz on April 15, 2012, 10:20:41 pm
Having decided to incubate some Aylesbury duck eggs, what is the best feed to give them.
I have in the past raised chickens via incubator and broody silkies and goslings, but have not been down the duck line, so what do you recommend to keep them growing strongly & healthy. :&>
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: jaykay on April 15, 2012, 10:23:38 pm
I've used several different duck starter pellets. The Smallholder range are good and I'm currently using Versele-Laga, just cos the local store stocked it.
The critical thing is to use a waterfowl starter or at least non-medicated chick crumb, ducklings are badly affected by the amprolium coccidiostat in ordinary medicated chick crumbs.
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: Beeducked on April 15, 2012, 10:37:57 pm
As above it is really important to avoid medicated feed. I have had really good results with the smallholder range and with A and P organic chick feed. They also love treats like grass and in my experience tomatoes!
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: jaykay on April 16, 2012, 06:38:29 am
Lol, off to try mine with tomato  :thumbsup:

They do love grass, don't forget to chop it up into very short lengths  :)
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: kaz on April 16, 2012, 08:02:30 am
I'll have to see what the local feed stores keep. I was pretty sure that ducks could not have chick crumbs so your replies really helpful. :&>
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on April 17, 2012, 01:41:13 pm
remember that if you use chick crumbs (the unmedicated ones of course) you will need to supplement with niacin as ducks require higher levels than chickens.
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: kaz on April 17, 2012, 05:50:43 pm
Have found someone local who supplies Smallholder duckling feed and also the next stage of feed, so hopefully sorted. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Ducklings feed
Post by: jaykay on April 17, 2012, 06:10:19 pm
That's good  :thumbsup: