Friday, October 27, 2017
Welcome back to our series of posts to help you get ready BEFORE your ducklings and goslings arrive!
FEED
What you feed your ducklings is very important. Many first time duck owners might not realize that the incorrect feed during the first few weeks of a duckling's life can cause huge negative impacts on the ducking and even death. To not make this erroneous mistake, read on and learn how to properly feed your waterfowl.
FEED
What you feed your ducklings is very important. Many first time duck owners might not realize that the incorrect feed during the first few weeks of a duckling's life can cause huge negative impacts on the ducking and even death. To not make this erroneous mistake, read on and learn how to properly feed your waterfowl.
Newly hatched ducklings and goslings need Chick Starter or Flock Starter Feed as shown above. The brand of crumble starter feed you choose must have at least 20% crude protein in it. Ideally you would find starter feed specifically formulated for waterfowl, that has a protein level of about 22%. Starter feed for chickens is fine to use as long at the protein level is correct and the feed includes niacin. Any less protein and there can be growth problems in your birds - specifically leg and neurologic issues.
Use Starter Feed for the first 3 weeks of the ducklings and goslings lives. After 3 weeks of age, birds can be moved to a Grower Feed where the protein level drops to 17 to 20%. Again, niacin in the feed is also an important factor. Adding VitaMetz to their water is also a great option to help support this new transition for the ducklings.
FEEDER
Using a chick feeder allows waterfowl to get at the food, but does not allow them to walk in it. This type of feeder shown below will need to be exchanged for something bigger as they grow.
Use Starter Feed for the first 3 weeks of the ducklings and goslings lives. After 3 weeks of age, birds can be moved to a Grower Feed where the protein level drops to 17 to 20%. Again, niacin in the feed is also an important factor. Adding VitaMetz to their water is also a great option to help support this new transition for the ducklings.
FEEDER
Using a chick feeder allows waterfowl to get at the food, but does not allow them to walk in it. This type of feeder shown below will need to be exchanged for something bigger as they grow.
A shallow dish to hold the feed will work fine, but it gives the ducklings and goslings the ability to hop in and make a mess. Raising the water dish up on a brick, block or 3" tupperware container is an option to keep the birds out of the water while they are very young.
To read our post on the brooder and bedding, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Brooder and Bedding.
To read our post on water and waterers, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Water and Waterer.
To read our post on heating, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Heating
To read our post on other items you may need, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Other Items to Consider.
To read our post on the brooder and bedding, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Brooder and Bedding.
To read our post on water and waterers, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Water and Waterer.
To read our post on heating, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Heating
To read our post on other items you may need, go to Getting Ready for Your Ducklings and Goslings: Other Items to Consider.