Hi very new too duck keeping and now very confused

[Anonymous]

i have take 1 duck and 2 drakes on as they needed to be rehomed urgently. they arrived on saturday and she brought everything with them, she has had them for about 3/4 months and they are only about 7 months old, she brought a large bag of mixed corn for them this is what they have been fed although i have researched into what is best them there are so many conflicting views on what they should have and the best for them so i thought i would ask th ose whom have ducks.
the other thing im a little concerned about is the duck laid on day 2 1 egg and day 2 one of the drakes hollowed out a little nest and she laid an egg i took both eggs should i have not? and also every day i have removed any dirty straw and replaced it with new is this upsetting them would they rather i left well alone i dont like the idea of them laying/sleeping in poo.
any advise have i got it completely wrong???? :? :? sorry for being so long winded

 

[Anonymous]

Hi there, Confused!
At least you asked instead of just going on hearsay. First, let me recomend a very good book to have on hand that will answer alot of your questions. You can order it online from Amazon >$20. "Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks", by Dave Holderread. Just ignore that chapter about *gulp* killing them! (I'm vegan)
Adult ducks are maintained on 12-14% crude protein. Purina makes Game bird maintainance, for adults and Game Bird Starter, for ducklings. Other wise, you can do what I do and feed cat kibbles and cracked corn. You have to watch out not to give too much protein, especially to ducklings, and the kibble is like 30% protein. Now, if you have your ducks indoors, and have just a couple, you'll want to feed fresh greens like spinach , Romaine lettuce.
I hope this will give you a little info., but really; GET that book! Also, you can come to Face Book and network with all the duck & goose rehabilitators! ;-) We have a question group, too, so anything you need to know, there's someone there who can help you. Shalom, Channah
Here are the links:

http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide-Raising-Ducks-2nd/dp/1603426930/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310655094&sr=1-1

http://facebook.com/ChannahBracha