What do you feed backyard ducks?
Understanding the correct diet for backyard ducks is crucial for their health, growth, and egg production. Feeding inappropriate foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies, health problems like Angel Wing, or obesity. This is a fundamental question for all new and existing duck owners.
- Supplement Non-Medicated Chick Starter with Niacin4
Solution
If waterfowl feed is unavailable, use a non-medicated chick starter/grower feed and supplement it with niacin (Vitamin B3).
Explanation
Ducks require significantly more niacin than chickens for proper bone and leg development. Chick starter alone is deficient for ducklings. Niacin can be supplemented using brewer's yeast added to the feed (approx. 1.5 tablespoons per cup of feed) or liquid vitamin supplements in their water.
Notes
Ensure the chick starter is non-medicated, as some medications safe for chicks are harmful to ducks. This is most critical for ducklings.
📌 diy 🛠️ Feeder, Brewer's Yeast or Niacin Supplement4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Offer Fruits in Moderation3
Solution
Provide small amounts of certain fruits as occasional treats.
Explanation
Fruits like berries, melon, sliced apples (no core/seeds), and bananas can be offered sparingly. They are high in sugar, so they should only be occasional treats, not a dietary staple.
Notes
Avoid citrus fruits. Remove uneaten fruit promptly to prevent pests and spoilage.
📌 diy 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Supply Grit4
Solution
Provide access to grit if ducks are not free-ranging on varied terrain.
Explanation
Grit consists of small stones that ducks store in their gizzard to help grind down food, aiding digestion. If ducks are confined or don't have access to small pebbles naturally, supplemental grit (available commercially) should be offered in a separate container.
Notes
Ducklings starter feed often contains grit, but check the packaging. Offer appropriately sized grit for their age.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Small dish or container4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Provide Oyster Shell for Layers5
Solution
Offer supplemental calcium, like crushed oyster shell, to laying ducks.
Explanation
Forming eggshells requires a significant amount of calcium. Layer feeds contain extra calcium, but providing free-choice crushed oyster shell ensures laying hens get enough, preventing weak shells and supporting their bone health.
Notes
Offer in a separate container, not mixed into the main feed, so ducks can consume it as needed.
📌 commercial 🛠️ Small dish or container4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Avoid Feeding Bread and Junk Food5
Solution
Do not feed bread, crackers, popcorn, or other processed human foods.
Explanation
These items offer little nutritional value ('junk food' for ducks) and can fill ducks up, preventing them from eating their balanced feed. High-carb diets, particularly bread, are linked to health problems like Angel Wing (a wing deformity) and obesity. Moldy bread is toxic.
Notes
Educate neighbors and visitors not to feed the ducks inappropriate items.
📌 best practice 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution