Supplement Non-Medicated Chick Starter with Niacin

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.