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Duck Nutrition #869172

Asked May 19, 2024, 9:47 PM EDT

I have a mixed flock of chickens and ducks of multiple breeds. I have an opportunity to buy a tote of mixed grains consisting of: "chick peas, wheat, flax, buck wheat and some oats" according to the ad. What would I need to add to the mix in order to be nutritionally complete for my flock? 

Yellowstone County Montana

Expert Response

Depending on the type and breeds of chickens and ducks, the mixed grains are unlikely to be a complete nutrition package. It also depends on the proportions of each ingredient. Vitamins and minerals are probably going to be missing. If you just want them to live, that might work, but production will be low.

Dr. Jacquie Jacob Replied May 25, 2024, 9:34 AM EDT
Thank you for your response. I know that the grains are not nutritionally enough on their own. I am asking what I would need to mix with the grains to make them more nutritionally complete.  I have an opportunity to buy bulk grain at a cheaper price and want to know what to supplement with to make the feed more nutritional for all of my birds. As just a reminder, the totes have chick peas, wheat, flax, buck wheat, and some oats. I unfortunately don't know what the proportions are. 

For additional information:
The majority of my flock is made of the bantam breed Call duck
My chickens are mostly a barnyard mix with a couple pures such as leghorns, jersey giants, and wyandottes 
My birds do free range the majority of the time and get fruit/veggie scraps as we have them
I supplement oyster shell as a "free feed" 
I feed Country Companion or Hubbard All Flock mixed with a Big Sky Organics feed; but that would be replaced or mixed with this tote of feed if the necessary ingredients to make it nutritionally complete are available in my area 

-Thank you


On Sat, May 25, 2024 at 7:34 AM, Ask Extension
The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT

It is not possible to formulate something to complement the multi-grain mix without knowing the nutrition that is provided. I would suggest getting a vitamin and trace mineral premix to add. And of course, the oyster shell for the laying females that need the calcium. You won't have a high-producing feed, but it should suffice to meet their basic nutritional needs and  get some production from them.

Dr. Jacquie Jacob Replied June 03, 2024, 8:53 AM EDT

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