Prevent niacin and calcium deficiencies with proper supplementation

Supplement duck feed with brewer's yeast for niacin (ducklings and adults) and offer free-choice crushed oyster shell for calcium (laying hens). Niacin deficiency is the most common nutritional problem in backyard ducks — ducks require roughly twice the niacin that chickens do (55 mg/kg vs 27 mg/kg), and most chicken feeds are insufficient. Calcium deficiency in layers causes thin-shelled eggs and eventually metabolic bone disease.

Why It Works

Niacin (vitamin B3) is essential for leg development and nerve function. Deficient ducklings develop bowed legs, swollen hock joints, and an inability to walk — symptoms that appear as early as 2–3 weeks of age and can become permanent if not corrected quickly. Brewer's yeast is the simplest, cheapest niacin source at roughly 50 mg per tablespoon. Calcium demands for laying ducks are even higher than for chickens because duck eggs have thicker shells.

Tips

• Add 1 tablespoon of brewer's yeast per cup of feed for ducklings on chicken starter feed
• Use waterfowl-specific feed if available — it already contains adequate niacin
• Offer crushed oyster shell free-choice in a separate dish starting at laying age (5–7 months)
• Never feed bread as a significant part of the diet — it provides empty calories and displaces balanced nutrition