Ducklings do best on an unmedicated starter crumble with about 18 to 20 percent protein, extra niacin, and clean water they can dip their whole bill in. After the first couple of weeks, switch to a grower feed.
Starter feed for the first weeks
Ducklings grow very fast, so their feed matters. Use a waterfowl or chick starter crumble labeled unmedicated. Ducklings eat and drink more than chicks, so medicated starters can lead to too much medication unless a vet advises it.
Ducklings also need more niacin than chicks, and a shortfall can cause leg and growth problems. If your starter has no added niacin, mix in brewer’s yeast following the package directions.
Water is part of every meal
Ducks eat with water nearby, because it helps them swallow and clear their nostrils. Offer water in a container deep enough for them to dip their bills, but too small and shallow-sided for tiny ducklings to climb in and get chilled. Change it often; it gets messy fast.
Grit and treats
- Grit: provide chick-sized grit in a separate dish once they eat anything beyond crumble, such as greens or treats.
- Treats: small amounts of chopped lettuce or other greens, peas, and a little scrambled egg. Treats should be only a small part of the diet.
- Avoid: bread, chips, salty or sugary snacks, and moldy food.
When to change feeds
- Hatch to about 2 weeks: starter crumble, about 18 to 20 percent protein.
- About 2 to 3 weeks until laying age: grower feed with roughly 15 to 16 percent protein.
- Laying age: a layer feed with added calcium, with oyster shell offered on the side.
Pellets can be too large for tiny ducklings, so stick with crumble early on. You can find more detail in what to feed newly hatched ducks and homemade duck feed.
Bottom Line
Unmedicated starter, enough niacin, fresh deep-enough water and a switch to grower feed will get ducklings off to a strong start. If a duckling is weak, has trouble walking or stops eating, call a vet who treats birds.
