The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Cams Mum on April 12, 2010, 11:37:46 am

Title: Ducks - what to feed ?? And what sex are they?
Post by: Cams Mum on April 12, 2010, 11:37:46 am

Hi all. I have four 6 week old Pekin ducks and they are currently on growers pellets. I am not planning on using them for meat unless they turn out to be more than 2 drakes so was wondering at what point I should put them onto layers pellets? Also do I feed them the same layers pellets as I do my chickens ?
Secondly, does beak colour indicate sex in Pekins at all as 3 of them have a pinky colour and the other is orange. Am trying to look for tail feathers and listen for the Quack as indicators but wondered if the beak colours give a clue?

Title: Re: Ducks - what to feed ?? And what sex are they?
Post by: Castle Farm on April 13, 2010, 09:18:45 am

Hello Cams Mum.
It's going to be a while yet before you know which sex they are.
Do not under any circumstances feed layers pellets to any bird,duck or chicken untill they are in FULL lay, as it contains higher calcium and pushes the birds into laying to soon. The ducks will be fine on mixed corn and free-range as they get alot of grass/grubs ect.

I have a bit about feeding on my web site at

www.castlefarmeggs.co.uk

Title: Re: Ducks - what to feed ?? And what sex are they?
Post by: Cams Mum on April 13, 2010, 09:45:49 am

Thank you ever so much for your reply. I have just had a look at your website, and found it really interesting. I am going to look into feeding my birds the way you do as it seems to make sense !!
I am off to carry on reading your website. Thank you soooo much  ;D