Hatching2024
Chirping
- Feb 22, 2024
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I am expecting day old chicks and ducklings in about 2 weeks. I am a first time flocker, and am doing all I can to be prepared and to ensure safe, happy and healthy birds. One thing I have been coming across lately is the idea of fermenting the food. I get the jist of it, sure. I do have some questions...
So first, some general questions with regard to feed:
So first, some general questions with regard to feed:
- I understand their protein needs change week by week, and that ducklings have a different need than chicks; What exactly is the duckling schedule and then the chick schedule?
- I know I start with starter feed (Grit's Farm Supply provide me with Flock raiser crumble. From what I can tell it is appropriate). I know that as adults (approx 3-5 months?), since I opted for females only, I'll need to provide egg laying feed, and from what I can understand it is okay to have them on the same feed?
- I know at some point (how many weeks?) I have to switch them from starter feed/ crumble to something else. I know for ducks that time comes sooner than for chicks. Is this the time I switch to the adult feed? Or is there something in between crumble and adult feed I should be giving them?
- Is it safe for all ages?
- What are your experiences? methods?
- What are the draw backs?
- How long have you been using this method?
- What is the best practice in terms of actually feeding the flock? Twice a day? Left out for grazing( seems unpractical, but I'm trying to be open minded)?
- Supplements and vitamins? which ones? (I know niacin for the ducks- any thing else for either species?) Where do you purchase them?
- What foods are toxic?
- Best snacks/treats?