The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Alex_ on March 15, 2019, 12:01:18 pm

Title: Breeder pellets cycling
Post by: Alex_ on March 15, 2019, 12:01:18 pm
I have been breading Muscovies for about two years as a personal meat supply. I have been feeding my breeding trio Allen & Page duck and goose breeder pellets for their whole time with me along with greens and in the winter mixed corn.

I have heard recently about only feeding them breeder pellets in the spring/summer when they  lay and sit of fertilised eggs and using a different feed in the off period like a layers pellet.

Anybody else heard anything like that? Any recommendations on a better way to feed the birds is appreciated as i want them to have the best lives possible when they are with me.

Thanks
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Title: Re: Breeder pellets cycling
Post by: landroverroy on March 15, 2019, 08:10:24 pm
I think what it means is that they only need breeders pellets if producing eggs that are destined to be hatched out. This is because breeders pellets have a higher level of vitamins and minerals in than layers pellets do. The higher specification is needed in order for the eggs to hatch out into healthy chicks, but is unnecessary if the eggs are only due to be eaten. A typical result of feeding layers pellets to breeding stock is when the chicks hatch out with bandy legs due to riboflavin deficiency. You also can get reduced hatching. However layers pellets are cheaper than breeders, which is why they are not needed if you are not actually hatching eggs.   
Title: Re: Breeder pellets cycling
Post by: Alex_ on March 19, 2019, 10:57:23 am
Thanks for the clear up. Seeing as muscovies only really lay two clutches a year, after their second clutch i will switch to layers until they are ready to lay again