Expert: Julia Booth - 5/4/2008

Question
I have been told to feed my ducklings duck starter feed. However, it's not available around my home at all. The closest thing there is to starter duck feed is chick starter feed. I'm not sure if this will provide the ducklings with the right nutrients. Also, will the ducklings be afraid of me even if they view me as their mother? thanks again. --K  ( sorry if this question comes twice.)

Answer
Chicken feed is not okay. Because most chicken feed contains more protein than regular gamebird feed or the natural diet of wild ducks, they cause abnormally quick wing development. When the wings grow faster than the rest of the body, the duck's body can no longer support the wings. The wings begin to stick out at right angles from the body. The bird is otherwise healthy, but is rendered flightless. This condition is called "angel wing".
Medicated feed is usually designed for chickens. Because of this, the levels of medication are too high for ducklings. Ducklings will recieve overdoses of the medication and can die as a result.

It's really adamant that they get the right food. You should be able to order it online if you can't get it locally.

Are these pet ducks or wild ducks that you are looking after? The process of viewing you as their mother is called "imprinting" and it means that you are taking on a huge responsibility. You are basically going to be with them and keeping them safe for the first 8-10 weeks of their lives. If you are the first thing they see when they are born, then they will imprint themselves to you.