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  1. 05-31-2011 #1
    SLTurner55555
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    Hi. My family and I are newbies to poultry. We used to show and raise rabbits. My kids are now going to college and mom wanted to start a hobby of her own. I have ordered books on chickens and ducks and will be doing some crash study of poultry. But I ordered two Cayuga Duckling from McMurray's hatchery and they will be here next week. Yes an impulse buy, but where I live has finally said that we can have poultry. Husband said yes and I didn't what him to change his mind.

    I have been trying to research a good feed. Where we live there is Tractor Supply and Southern states. There is a feed store that ships in our rabbit feed from Ohio Buckeye. It seems that mold which is a killer to rabbits is also a problem for poultry. As a general rule rabbit feed should not be older than 3 months. Especially in summer 100 degree weather. Is age of food a problem for poultry?

    Okay I have been reading that medicated feed is not good for ducks. Coccidistat is okay but not antibiotics. If I am looking at feeds, what should I avoid i.e., medications?

    Also what ingredients are important or good to have in a duckling feed? Also I have been reading post that mentioned green vegetables and dandlion greens. At what age can they start eating greens.

    Thanks in advance for your help.
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  2. 06-01-2011 #2
    Oregon Swedes
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    If you can find something made for waterfowl, that would be perfect. The first 2 weeks 18-20 % protein. The next 2 months 15-16% protein. Then the protein level can be dropped down until they start to lay.

    Chick starter is reputed to work well, but you will have to add niacin. If you buy a bag of chick starter, you can keep feeding that until you use it up, but after 2 weeks, add some rolled oats to drop the total protein level a little bit.

    I have to make due with what I can find around here, and the choices are pretty slim. I start the ducklings for 2 weeks on game bird starter (which is 28% protein), then when they turn 2 weeks old, they get switched to chick starter. Both are medicated with Amprollum.

    I use an all purpose poultry feed to cut the protein to the correct level.

    I can't find any feed that isn't "vegetarian" and ducks aren't vegetarians, so I buy cheap dry cat food which is made with grain and fish. I feed a small amount every day to the adults.

    Everybody gets a pinch of brewer's yeast mixed into their food.

    At 1 week of age, I give the ducklings grit and then the next day I start them on tiny bits of greenery snipped small. I feed tender grass and clover. I've got chard planted for them, and they will get that as soon as the plants are big enough.
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  3. 06-01-2011 #3
    Patrick
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    Start by getting the Holderread duck book advertised elsewhere on this site. It has all of the correct information that you need to know to get started, and then some. Forget about what "they" say about 30 year outdated information such as not feeding medicated feed to waterfowl. Freshness of feed and the dangers of mold apply to all animals. Do not rely on word of mouth information from grain store clerks or backyard breeders.
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  4. 06-01-2011 #4
    Evy
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    Quote Originally Posted by Patrick View Post
    Start by getting the Holderread duck book advertised elsewhere on this site. It has all of the correct information that you need to know to get started, and then some. Forget about what "they" say about 30 year outdated information such as not feeding medicated feed to waterfowl. Freshness of feed and the dangers of mold apply to all animals. Do not rely on word of mouth information from grain store clerks or backyard breeders.
    I totally agree with Patrick. Don't make it more complicated than necessary. Southern States makes great WF feed. Wish I could get it. If you're only getting 2 ducklings, you'll never use up even a 25# sack of chick starter. I'd get the SS grower & throw a handful in the food processor / blender for them. By 3-4 weeks they can handle the pellets. Give them a shallow pan of swim water daily & a warm spot to dry off. Either supervise or be sure they can get in & out easily. Finely chopped greens sprinkled on the water double the fun.
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  5. 06-01-2011 #5
    Evy
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    Hey, Patrick.....aren't WE backyard breeders ???
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  6. 06-01-2011 #6
    SLTurner55555
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    Thanks. I just got my copy of Storey's Raising Ducks. Time to study. I am sure I will have more questions. I appreciate experience breeder taking the time to help a newbie.
    SLT
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  7. 04-30-2013 #7
    sssss3v48
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