Whether you own a few chicks or a flock of ducks, you will need a good quality grower feed to ensure that your flock grows healthy and strong. There are several different types of feeds available on the market, including non-GMO, medicated, and oyster shell-based feeds. However, before you choose a grower feed, it is important to know what to look for in your chosen brand.
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Purine
Medicated feeds for ducks are used less frequently than those for chickens, but they can be effective in controlling many common diseases. These include: colibacillosis, necrotic enteritis, salmonellosis, and fowl cholera.
Ducks’ gut microbial communities require higher energy expenditure for growth, basic metabolism, and nutrient utilization. This is due to their increased resistance to most parasites. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the diets offered to ducks meet the requirements for micro-nutrients and protein.
Ducks are sensitive to a variety of toxins produced by molds. Mold toxins can damage the digestive organs and liver of ducks, and reduce growth and reproductive performance.
Niacin is important to the health of growing ducks. Purina(r) Duck Feed is formulated to meet the elevated niacin needs of ducklings.
Oyster shell
Using oyster shell for duck grower feed may not be the most efficient way to provide your chickens with the nutrients they need. But it’s a great way to get extra calcium into their diets.
Eggs are an amazing example of a calcium carbonate substance, and they are also an excellent source of calcium for your chickens. Eggshells are nearly 90% calcium carbonate, and hens need plenty of calcium to make strong and healthy eggshells.
Aside from providing chickens with calcium, oyster shell can also boost egg shell quality. A good shell will help to prevent bacteria from sneaking inside the eggs. Eggshells are also thicker, which helps to minimize cracked eggs.
Aside from supplying calcium for your chickens, you may also want to consider using grit in your bird’s diet. Grit is an inexpensive way to provide your birds with the nutrition they need.
Medicated feed for chicks
Medicated feed for duck grower chicks is not a good idea. Medicated feed contains medications that may kill your ducklings. They also don’t provide your chicks with protection against coccidiosis.
Coccidiosis is a parasite that causes loose stools and weight loss. It damages the intestinal walls of your chicks, reducing their ability to absorb nutrients. It’s a common and dangerous disease among baby chickens. There are many preventives you can use to keep coccidiosis at bay.
Amprolium is a coccidiostat that prevents the development of coccidia parasites. Amprolium blocks the body’s absorption of thiamine, a necessary nutrient for the reproduction of coccidia parasites. Coccidia is the number one killer of baby chicks.
Amprolium is a drug approved by the FDA for use in meat-producing birds. It can also be found in medicated chick starter feed.
Non-GMO
Choosing the right duck grower feed can be challenging. Ducks have different nutritional requirements than chickens. They need a higher amount of protein, and a smaller amount of calcium. Choosing a feed that’s right for your duck’s age and breed is vital.
Ducklings need 20% protein in their first 36 hours of life. A duckling feed that doesn’t meet this requirement can lead to abnormal growth. Ducks need Niacin for their development. The niacin helps them convert food into energy.
Ducks also need calcium for growth. Calcium is important for developing strong eggs and bone mineralization. Ducks are prone to kidney disease when they eat too much soy.
The best duck grower feed has high protein and niacin. This diet is soy free. It also contains organic minerals and grains. It’s also Non-GMO Project Verified. The Non-GMO Project is North America’s only independent verification for GMO avoidance.
Do’s and don’ts
Whether you have just purchased a few ducklings or are a veteran duck keeper, you know that you’ll want to make sure that they get a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are a few do’s and don’ts of duck grower feed that you can follow to make sure your birds are getting everything they need.
First, be sure to provide ducklings with a draught-free house. This will help to prevent injuries from trampling. Also, make sure they have access to fresh water.
You may also want to offer them a little bit of grit. This will help them digest their food. However, it won’t be necessary for most ducks. Those that have access to grass or dirt won’t need it.
For the most part, you’ll want to feed your birds pelleted feed. You should be sure to buy small amounts of high-quality feed. This is especially important for young ducklings.
