Ducklings must eat lots of protein for proper development.
Ducks are common birds often raised for meat production. However, many pet enthusiasts enjoy raising ducks and ducklings as a hobby. Duckling owners must take many factors into consideration, from choosing a warm sleeping area to determining the correct food choices. A typical food choice for ducks is cracked corn, but duck owners should follow some guidelines before offering this food type to ducklings.
Cracked Corn Identification
A food staple for many domesticated birds, including ducks, cracked corn essentially consists of broken kernels of corn small enough for bird beaks to maneuver and swallow. This food is relatively inexpensive, making it widespread throughout farm and ranch industries.
Ducklings Zero To Three Weeks Old
Newborn ducklings up to the age of three weeks old should not eat cracked corn. Their diet should consist of chick starter mash and crumbles. Check to verify the starter mash is a nonmedicated type; medicated mash may be harmful to a domesticated duckling since it is designed for growing birds rapidly for meat production. Ducklings of this young age should consume about 20 to 22 percent of their diet in protein, adequately supplied by the mash and crumbles.
Ducklings Three To Six Weeks Old
Ducklings between three and six weeks old can have cracked corn added to their diets. Cracked corn does not supply the high amount of protein needed for newborn ducklings, but older ducklings require only 16 percent protein within their diet. However, the cracked corn should still be accompanied by mash and crumbles for a well-rounded diet.
Considerations
Take steps to prevent the duckling from consuming too much or too little protein. Excessive protein causes wing feathers to extend upward; add more cracked corn to the diet to relieve the excessive protein provided by the mash and crumbles. In contrast, too little protein contributes to nutritional deficiencies. Do not overfeed ducklings with cracked corn, since it does not provide enough protein for a healthy body.
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