Ducklings need some special consideration when it comes to feeding as compared to baby chicks. This is mainly for two reasons, ducklings need extra niacin or will suffer severe neurological issues. They also can’t get too much protein or will develop a wing abnormality known as angel wings.
This defect isn’t just cosmetic and does affect their ability to fly, thus move around, as well as permanently altering their appearance in a dramatic way.
I shoot for 14-16 % protein levels in our duckling’s feed. This level doesn’t seem to be available in any commercial feed meant for ducklings, as everything seems to be in the 18% range. In my opinion, this is way too high for ducklings. Also, organic feed for ducklings is pretty much nonexistent. I solved all of these issues by mixing my own feed.
I use organic starter feed at 20% protein and mix this with organic wheat at 12.5% protein at a 1:1 ratio.
Using a simple online Pearson’s Square Ration mix calculator to figure all this out, this comes out to 14% protein.
This works out well because wheat in its natural form, often called wheat berries, is small enough for ducklings to eat whole, AND more importantly, provides the extra niacin that the birds need.
Do NOT confuse wheat berries with wheat bran. NOT the same thing. You can use hard white or hard red wheat. Spelt would work also. If you buy seed, make sure it isn’t treated with anything before using as an animal feed.
Some owners may have trouble finding wheat. I’m blessed that my organic source provides both starter mix and wheat, but other poultry owners may have to search.
Organic farm link- source for organic wheat and organic starter feed 20%
I suggest checking out smaller specialty feed suppliers that can special order for you. Azure Standard is also a good source. Other online companies or even Amazon may have feed grade wheat berries. You can always resort to wheat berries meant for human consumption, but this will be more expensive. For comparison, my local Michigan organic farmer sells feed grade organic white wheat in 50 lb bags for about $8.00.
For the starter mix, you can also substitute 20% broiler mix, if it is in a ground form or as a crumble, not the pelletized form. This is only possible after the birds are at least a week old and large enough eat the crumbles. One could also add water to the mix and soften it, in a pinch.
Some owners use brewers yeast as a source of niacin, I’ve never done this so I can’t vouch for this ingredient. All that I know is that my ducks are healthy after several years using my mix. None have neurological issues and none have angel wing. My ducks also get some extra protein in the form of worms and other free range goodies that other ducks might not get. Things must be well, because I have some pretty large Muscovy drakes!
I provide this for informational purposes only, your results may vary as every situation is different.
By Dr. Terese Rachor Beste
