By Theresa Gibilisco, owner, The Hungry Puppy
A lot of backyard flocks around here started with chickens and then somebody came home with two ducklings from the feed store. Now everybody's sharing a run, and the question at our counter is always the same: can the ducks just eat the chicken feed? Here are the answers I give.
Can ducks eat chicken feed?
They'll eat it, happily. Whether they should depends on which feed and how old the duck is. The big difference is niacin, one of the B vitamins. Metzer Farms, a waterfowl hatchery, explains that waterfowl need more niacin than chickens, and recommends at least 55 ppm in a duck's feed. Most chicken feed tags don't guarantee a niacin level at all, so you can't tell from the bag if it's enough.
What happens if a duckling doesn't get enough niacin?
It shows up in the legs. Metzer describes ducklings that become reluctant to walk, then develop swollen hocks and bowed legs, and then struggle to get to food and water. Growing ducklings are the most at risk because they're putting on size so fast. If a duckling is already limping, call a vet who sees poultry. Don't just guess at a supplement.
Is medicated chick starter safe for ducklings?
No. This is the one I really want people to hear. Nutrena's own guidance on its medicated chick starter (the kind with amprolium) says it must not be fed to waterfowl. If you're brooding chicks and ducklings together, they need separate feed.
So what do ducklings eat?
From hatch to 4 weeks, a waterfowl starter with guaranteed niacin. We special order Nutrena Country Feeds Duck and All Flock Starter 22% Crumble, which guarantees 65 ppm niacin. Nutrena labels it for ducklings, goslings, turkey poults, game birds and layer chicks, so one bag can start a mixed brooder.
And at 4 weeks?
That's when Nutrena Country Feeds Duck 18% Pellet takes over. Nutrena labels it as the sole ration for growing and adult ducks from 4 weeks on. From the tag:
- Crude protein: 18% minimum
- Niacin: 65 ppm minimum, guaranteed on the tag
- Calcium: 0.75% to 1.25%
- Crude fat: 2.7% minimum
- Prebiotics and probiotics
Small breed ducks may need the pellets crumbled for the first two weeks. Nutrena's directions also call for appropriately sized grit, oyster shell free choice for laying ducks, and plenty of fresh, clean water. Ducks dunk their bills while they eat, so put the water near the feed and expect a mess.
My ducks lay eggs. Is the duck pellet enough?
The duck pellet's calcium is well below a chicken layer feed, so laying ducks need oyster shell in a separate dish. That's straight from the label. Our NatureWise Oyster Shell is what most of our duck customers use.
Can my chickens eat the duck feed?
Chickens can eat it, but laying hens need more calcium than it has. If your hens are sharing, put oyster shell out free choice and they'll take what they need. In a mixed flock of birds over 7 weeks, another option is NatureWise All Flock 20% Pellet, which Nutrena makes for chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and pheasants together, again with oyster shell on the side for the layers.
Can adult ducks eat layer feed in a pinch?
For a day or two until you get to the store, sure. As the everyday feed, I'd pick one that guarantees niacin, since most chicken feeds don't.
A few things about keeping chickens and ducks together
- Water gets messy. Ducks splash and muddy everything. Keep the chickens' water up off the ground or separate so it stays clean.
- Bedding gets wet. Plan on changing shavings more often than you would for chickens alone.
- Predators don't care who's who. Ducks are easy targets at night. Lock everybody in a secure coop after dark.
- Wash your hands. The CDC asks backyard flock owners to wash for 20 seconds after handling birds, eggs or supplies, and to keep children under 5 from handling chicks and ducklings.
Delivered to your pond or your coop
We keep duck pellets, all flock feed and oyster shell in Farmingdale, and special order the duck starter. Our own trucks deliver Tuesday through Friday on your town's route day, free with a $20 minimum. See our backyard chicken feed page, our farm feed delivery page, or call 732-938-4470. Raising chicks alongside the ducklings? Here's how long chicks stay on starter feed.