[Old_chapel_apple_juice]

we have recently hatched some runner eggs they are 6 weeks old now and everywhere i read they say that feeding them layers pellets and growers pellets for chicken is ok but ducks need more niacin added
everywhere ive read this is on american sites do we use different feeds in the UK
does anyone had niacin into the ducks food and where can you get it from
thank you

[lord flynn]

niacin is found in brewers yeast-just get some and sprinkle on their food if you think they need it. My ducks are fed waterfowl pellets (either growers or breeders when in lay) rather than poultry pellets.

[Old_chapel_apple_juice]

my adult ducks are in with my chickens which is the only problem really

[lord flynn]

afaik the need for niacin is when they are ducklings only but I might be wrong. VitB deficiency (niacin is B3) can lead to weak/splay legs in ducklings.


kale, peas, greens, grass etc re all rich in niacin if thats of any help? don't think brewers yeast will hurt poultry either. Cereals such as corn, wheat are low in niacin so maybe leave those out/feed in very small amounts if you feed them.


eta I've just read that ducks have twice the requirement for niacin that chickens do (https://www.dsm.com/markets/anh/en_US/Compendium/poultry/niacin.html)