Learn More About Ducks

We receive this question quite frequently at Kalmbach Feeds®. The answer is yes, in most cases. Ducks do have some unique nutritional requirements, but most of those unique requirements are necessary while they are growing. Once ducks reach sexual maturity, they can usually be fed the same thing as your chickens. Let’s dive a little deeper into the unique nutritional requirements of ducks and what to look for in a layer feed that you plan to feed them. What Are Some Unique Nutrient Requirements for Ducks? As we have discussed in previous articles, ducks grow exceptionally fast. Because of their fast growth rate, ducks require...

As backyard poultry flocks expand and the types of poultry that we love become more diverse, you may wonder about the unique nutritional requirements of ducks and geese. Most ducks and geese are omnivores. The vast majority of their nutrition comes from their duck feed and plant sources. However, they will eat insects, fish, and other small animals typically found around bodies of water. Unique Nutritional Requirements Ducks and geese have some unique nutritional requirements when compared to chickens. First, because they are bigger-bodied birds, protein requirements for waterfowl are usually higher in their starter and grower phases. Chicks intended to become layers typically need 18%...