Are you a beginner duck farmer and conscious about what do ducks eat? You are not alone, and there are actually numerous beginner duck farmers who want to know about what do ducks eat. And as a starter, you should also know about the diet of ducks to improve their overall health and also to increase your farm production.
Before starting a duck farm, you should know more about the balanced diet of your ducks for keeping them healthy, active, and productive. Actually, ducks are not picky eater and they can eat whatever they find in front of them. However, here we are trying to discuss more and share the feeding guide for your ducks.
What Do Ducks Eat?
Ducks are not picky eaters, and most of the duck breeds eat whatever they find edible in front of them. Ducks are actually much harder than chickens, and they are more easy-to-care-for birds.
It is generally very easy to feed most of the domestic ducks with pellets and other supplemental snacks. Although, a duck’s dietary needs change over their lifespan and can very depending on what you are raising them for.
For example, a duck’s diet can vary depending upon their life stage and age. And a laying duck require special food as compared to the meat duck. So, dietary requirements for each duck is different.
Normal diet of a duck
In commercial farms, a normal duck eat starter feed in their first stage of life, and then gradually switch to grower, finisher, layer etc. Food for adult ducks also very depending upon their production purpose.
For example, laying ducks require more protein and calcium rich food than meat ducks. And without enough calcium, duck eggshells will be thin or pitted. Oyster shells can be an excellent addition for fulfilling calcium deficiency.
Provide adequate grit
Along with enough food, providing adequate amount of grit is also very important for keeping your ducks healthy. Because ducks need grit in their diet. And these grit (small stones and sands) in their diet help them to grind up and digest food properly.
Your ducks will pick up grit on their own naturally while foraging for foods, if you allow your ducks to free-range. So, provide your ducks grit only if they are penned, at least once a week.
Chicken feed for ducks
Ducks are hardy, and they can survive on chicken feed. But chicken feeds is not ideal for the ducks, because they require higher levels of niacin to help their bones grow correctly. You can fill this nutrient deficiency by adding some Brewer’s yeast to your chicken feed and then feed to your chickens.
Provide occasional treats
Along with the regular food, try to provide occasional treats for your ducks. Weeds, grass, kale, lettuce can be a good and cheap option for your ducks. Some other good but affordable options include squash, cucumber, corn, peas etc.
You can offer leafy greens as a treat in unlimited amounts. But all other snacks should make up no more than 10 percent of your duck’s diet. In free range system, your ducks will likely forage for insects on their own, as well as mollusks, small fish and aquatic plants if they have access to a pond.
How often ducks eat?
An adult domestic duck generally eat between 4-7 ounces of feed per day. Although, exact amount can vary and depends on numerous factors such as the breed, size of the bird, and also season of the year.
Generally, the ducklings should always have food available in front of them. Ducklings digest food quickly and they need to consume a lot of food to grow properly. But you can set a feeding schedule for your mature ducks. And feeding the mature birds twice a day will be enough.
What are the best foods to feed your ducks?
Best food for ducks depends upon how you are raising them. Are you raising them in free-range system, or inside farms in commercial scale? In both cases, types of foods are different. There are actually a plenty of natural food sources in the wild. But in commercial duck farming business, you have limited option.
In commercial duck farming business, you can provide your ducks with cracked corn, rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables etc. Readily available commercial pelleted foods are also a good option for your ducks.
Whatever you feed your ducks, don’t forget to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
What not to feed ducks?
Avoid feeding all types of junk food to your ducks (such as bread, burger, chocolate etc.). Avoid feeding citrus and spinach, as these can interfere with calcium absorption (leading to thin-shelled eggs). Avocado, onions, and white potatoes have different toxins that can cause numerous health problems for your ducks (from anemia to heart failure).
Avoid feeding raw beans to your ducks, as these food has a natural insecticide that is harmful to your duck’s health. Also avoid feeding nightshade family vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes and eggplants. Although, ripe tomatoes and eggplants are safe for your ducks.
These are the information regarding what do ducks eat. Hope this duck feeding guide has helped you. Consider sharing this guide with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!
