when to start feeding growers pellets?

[DanniC]

Hey all!!

So my 2 Abacot rangers are growing ridiculously quickly!! So much so that we are building an enclosure on the floor in the spare room so that they have the space they need lol!

So, questions! When should I start feeding them the growers pellets rather than the chick crumb? Also, when can I introduce them to things like lettuce and grass? Any other greens or "people food" they can have?

Also, are shop brought locusts and the "Can-O-Slug" type things (that's you'd feed to reptiles) ok to feed to the ducks?

I'll get some more pictures up soon too!!

Thanks!! Danni x

 

[foxy]

After 2/3 weeks it is a good idea to switch ducklings to a growers pellet with a lower protein level and therefore reduced risk of what is called "angel wing" with is a deformity due to too much protein fed when young. I would hold on feeding any additional "bugs" just yet as most contain high protein levels.

 

[dorsetduckowner]

I agree with Foxy. Change them over to growers between 2-3 weeks gradually mixing the growers into the crumbs.
Steer away from high protein treats, sticks to things like Romania lettuce and duck weed if you can get it
zo
x

 

[DanniC]

Ok cool.. Yeah I've read about angel wing.. Cosmo hatched on the 39th April, and jet on the 1st may, so they are just 2 weeks old now, so I'll buy some growers pellets from the same company I've got the chick crumbs from and start mixing it in slowly

Also, what age will they start quacking? And I know this may sound silly, but what does it sound like to start with?

Thanks,

Danni x

 

[dorsetduckowner]

They can start from about 6-8 weeks, you will know when you hear it! Some take longer than others

 

[DanniC]

Ah ok.. The darker one has started making a noise that's not a peep.. I don't know if it's coughing or trying to quack! I don't really know how to ddescribe the noise either.. Is it worth getting them vet checked?

Also, do they need vaccinations or worming or anything like that?

 

[dorsetduckowner]

They shouldn't be quacking yet really. If you are worried about worms just get a fecal sample checked by the vet. Dont worm them unless you need to