UK - Best duck food?

[Kaiju]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if any UK duck keepers would be happy to share what they feed their ducks/what type of food you've gone for?

A lot of advice on here is to go for flock raiser/all flock diets, but those don't seem to exist here. I did try searching the forum for if anyone else asked this question, but didn't have any luck, so forgive me if someone did already post this.

I currently feed Fancy Feed growers pellets (and supplement niacin). I might just go for the Fancy Feed fenland waterfowl pellets though honestly they look very similar nutritionally and ingredients-wise to the growers?

Is there any harm in just keeping them on the growers, and offering free choice oyster shell for laying hens? Because the growers is a little cheaper and they do look really similar.

I've done so much research and so many sites have conflicting info so I'd rather ask here!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Sadly, your nutritional labels in the UK aren't as good as ours, and the labeling "all flock, flock raiser, grower, etc" means very little. Anything between 18 and 24% protein (I know the EU and the OK generally are lower protein than us in the US, so that shouldn't be a problem) is fine, target 1.5% calcium +/-, oyster shell on the side, and if you can't get a niacin level on the label, continue to suppliment. (though its most important in the first months of life)

 

[Kaiju]

Sadly, your nutritional labels in the UK aren't as good as ours, and the labeling "all flock, flock raiser, grower, etc" means very little. Anything between 18 and 24% protein (I know the EU and the OK generally are lower protein than us in the US, so that shouldn't be a problem) is fine, target 1.5% calcium +/-, oyster shell on the side, and if you can't get a niacin level on the label, continue to suppliment. (though its most important in the first months of life)

Thanks for the advice!

Yeah the labels aren't the best. Honestly, I might just email a few different brands about the niacin levels and calcium, etc of their products. Most feed is around 16-17% protein, but I've seen a couple a little higher so I'll look into them as well.

God I wish I could just buy the brands you all use over there

 

[U_Stormcrow]

These forums are chock full of posts from confused people in the US too! I helped another UK poster maybe two weeks back? Let me see if I can find that post. (Chicken feed, not ducks).

Here it is Hope it helps.

 

[Kaiju]

These forums are chock full of posts from confused people in the US too! I helped another UK poster maybe two weeks back? Let me see if I can find that post. (Chicken feed, not ducks).

Here it is Hope it helps.

Thanks again - that is helpful!
Good to know my instincts were correct about Fancy Feed being one of the better brands with more clearly listed nutrients. For some reason I didn't look at the slightly higher protein breeder pellets, but they do look like a good possible option for the ducks too.

I'll keep on researching and maybe emailing some companies! Heygates has an 18% protein breeder pellet with fish oil but no ingredients or other nutrient levels listed online, frustratingly... which seems to be the way with a LOT of companies here.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Very best of luck in your serch - I know first hand the challenges you will face.