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Growth and Feed Timeline
From the day they arrive to getting a few seasons under your belt, we're covering everything you need to know about raising ducklings that grow into mature, healthy ducks. Our easy-to-follow duckling growth timeline covers feeding schedules and dosage along with brooder heating adjustments.
Arrive at home! Hatching at home is more advanced and not recommended for first timers. Ideal arrival is April through July.
Fun Fact: Ducks have excellent vision and can see in color!
Brooder Temp: 90 - 84° F
Protein Ratio: 20 - 22%
Feed: Non-Medicated
Chick Starter
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Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
Fun Fact: Science has disproved that a quack doesn't echo.
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Brooder Temp: 83 - 77° F
Protein Ratio: 20 - 22%
Feed: Non-Medicated
Chick Starter
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
Have a separate dish with chick grit available if they have outdoor time until they start laying.
Fun Fact: 50% of their brain sleeps while other 50% stays alert for predators.
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Brooder Temp: 76 - 70° F
Protein Ratio: 15 - 16%
Feed: Continue until 8
weeks old at lower %*
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
Fun Fact: Ducks are omnivorous opportunistic eaters.
Brooder Temp: 69 - 63° F
Protein Ratio: 15 - 16%
Feed: Continue until
8 weeks old
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
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*If you still have starter feed, dilute with rolled oats. 3 cups feed to 1 cup oats. Continue to add 1.5 tablespoons of brewer's yeast for every cup of feed.
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Fun Fact: There are more than 40 breeds of domestic duck.
Brooder Temp: 62 - 56° F
Protein Ratio: 15 - 16%
Feed: Continue until
8 weeks old
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
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Fun Fact: Duck feet have no nerves or blood vessels and don't get cold.
Brooder Temp: ~55° F
Protein Ratio: 15 - 16%
Feed: Continue until
8 weeks old
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
The molting period usually starts mid summer. Length will vary from duck to duck. Feathers will drop, look drab and disheveled.
If they're fully feathered and it's not extremely cold, ducks are ready to live outside.
Protein Ratio: 13 - 14%
Feed: Continue until they
start laying eggs
Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
Egg laying might begin between now and 30 weeks. Offer free choice microna, oyster shells or layer grit when laying begins.
Discontinue adding brewer's yeast to feed.
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*Gradually transition new food
over 1 week to avoid sickness.
Protein Ratio: 16 - 17%
Feed: Layer feed* until
they stop laying eggs
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Brewer's Yeast:
1.5 TBS per 1 cup feed
The molting period usually starts late winter or early spring. Length will vary from duck to duck. Feathers will drop, look drab and disheveled.
Protein Ratio: 14%
Feed: Maintenance feed
for older, no longer laying, or drakes only.
Growth and Feed Timeline
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