After hearing about duck feed, we commonly think of store-bought ones. But you also can make homemade feed instead of store-bought feed for your ducks.
So, what are the ways of giving your ducks homemade duck feed? There are many ways to mold homemade feed for your pet. You can grow some plants in your garden which are safe for your ducks. Or you can buy preservatives-free grains for your ducks. This will be cost-effective.
Here, I will discuss the DIY homemade feed for your ducks, how you can make it, and what you will need for this.
Table of Contents
Why Consider Homemade Duck Feed?
Homemade duck feed offers several advantages over store-bought options. Firstly, it allows you to have full control over the quality and sources of the ingredients used.
Additionally, creating your feed can be more budget-friendly in the long run. It is especially true if you have access to locally sourced grains and supplements.
Most importantly, homemade duck feed enables you to adjust the formula based on the specific requirements of your ducks. It ensures a balanced diet that supports their health at every stage of life.
Understanding Ducks’ Nutritional Needs
Before getting into making homemade duck feed, it’s necessary to understand the basic nutritional needs of ducks. Ducks require a diet rich in protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Their dietary requirements vary depending on some factors, such as age, purpose (meat or egg production), and environmental conditions.
Ducklings need higher protein content (18-20%) in their feed to support rapid growth, but adult ducks can live on lower protein levels (14-16%). Energy sources like grains provide the necessary calories. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for the proper functioning of bodily systems.
For example, ducklings need 0.8% of calcium, and adult ducks need 2.9% of calcium in their daily intake. The amount of niacin necessary for ducklings and breeder ducks is about 25 mg/lb. And the adult ones need 20 mg/lb.
Here is another point to be noticed, and that is supplements. It should be 10% of ducks’ daily intake.
Anyway, you can check this video of homemade duck feed for your baby ducks in the house.
Recommended Reading: Niacin Deficiency In Ducks
5 Essential Ingredients in Homemade Duck Feed
Here is a list of essential ingredients that you can include in your homemade duck feed.
- Grains: Grains form the base of duck feed. Common grains include corn, wheat, barley, and oats. These provide energy and bulk to the diet.
- Protein Sources: Protein is crucial for muscle development, egg production, and overall health. Incorporate protein-rich sources like soybean meal, fish meal, alfalfa meal, and insects.
- Green Forage: Ducks enjoy nibbling on fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. These provide essential nutrients and contribute to the ducks’ natural behavior.
- Calcium and Grit: Crushed oyster shells or eggshells are essential for strong eggshells and overall bone health. Grit aids in digestion by helping ducks grind down food in their gizzard.
- Supplements: Ducks require a variety of vitamins and minerals. Commercial poultry supplements are available, or you can provide natural sources like chopped vegetables, fruits, and even small amounts of fish oil.
Recommended Article: How Much Protein Do Ducks Need
Making a Homemade Duck Feed Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade duck feed:
Ingredients:
- 60% grains (corn, wheat, barley, oats, etc.)
- 20% protein sources (soybean meal, fish meal, etc.)
- 10% green forage (lettuce, kale, etc.)
- 5% calcium (crushed oyster shells)
- 5% supplements (chopped vegetables, fruits, seeds, etc.)
Instructions:
- Mix the grains, protein sources, and green forage in a large container.
- Gradually add in the calcium source, ensuring even distribution.
- Mix in the supplements to provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Store the homemade feed in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Note: According to Positive Action, when the dust level surpasses 7%, birds consume less feed.
Some Plants for Ducks You Can Grow At Your Yard
As I am talking about homemade feed, some backyard plants can be included in this list. You can grow these plants without any pesticides. And your ducks can eat them while foraging. Here are examples:
- Sage
- Dandelions
- Thyme
- Dill
- Basil
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Mint
- Kale
Related Reading: Plants For Duck Diet
5 Foods You Should Avoid to Feed Your Ducks
When you mold feed for your pets at home, you need to avoid some food and additives. For instance:
| Food | Reason to avoid |
|---|---|
| Salt | Make ducks dehydrated |
| Oil | Create obesity and weaken the digestive system |
| Onion | Thiosulphate is toxic to ducks |
| Avocado | Persin is toxic to ducks |
| Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons | Cause acid reflux |
Related Reading: Foods You Should Avoid For Your Ducks Diet
FAQs
I am not done yet with homemade duck feed. I have something more to let you know.
Q. Can I experiment with herbs in homemade duck feed?
Some herbs like oregano, dandelions, and sage are known for their potential health benefits in poultry diets. However, research their effects thoroughly and use them in moderation. Always ensure that any herbs or plants you introduce are safe and non-toxic for ducks.
Q. Is it necessary to provide grit in homemade duck feed?
Grit is beneficial for helping in digestion in ducks. Suppose your ducks have access to outdoor space to naturally consume grit. It may not be necessary to include it in the feed. However, if they’re primarily kept indoors, providing a small amount of grit can help with digestion.
Closure
Let’s come to the end of the discussion. If you have access to fresh plants or grains, you can make feed for your ducks on your own. This might be tough if you pet ducks for business purposes.
But if you have ducks as your backyard companion, this homemade feed will be more beneficial and cost-effective. Feed your ducks healthy and keep them happy.
Resources & References:
- https://petfood.guide/how-to-make-your-own-homemade-duck-feed/
- https://petfood.guide/homemade-duck-feed/
