Feed a quality layer feed formulated for waterfowl

Provide a balanced commercial layer feed with 16–18% protein as the primary diet for laying ducks. Waterfowl-specific layer feeds are ideal because they include higher niacin (vitamin B3) levels that ducks require — roughly 55 mg/kg compared to 27 mg/kg in chicken feeds. If waterfowl feed is unavailable, use chicken layer feed supplemented with brewer's yeast (1 tablespoon per cup of feed) to add niacin.

Why It Works

Egg production demands consistent, high-quality nutrition. Each duck egg contains roughly 9 grams of protein and 130 calories, requiring the hen to consume adequate nutrients daily to sustain production. Niacin deficiency — common when ducks are fed chicken feed without supplementation — causes leg weakness and reduced laying. A properly formulated feed with free-choice access during daylight hours ensures ducks have the nutritional foundation for consistent production.

Tips

• Provide feed free-choice during all daylight hours — restricting feed reduces egg production
• A laying duck eats roughly 6–8 ounces (170–225g) of feed per day
• Store feed in a sealed metal container to prevent moisture and rodent contamination
• If using chicken layer feed, always add brewer's yeast for niacin — niacin deficiency is the most common nutritional problem in backyard ducks