Chicken vs Duck Feed Formulations
Chickens and ducks have been living together for ages, though ducks are waterfowl while chickens are landfowl, both are foragers.
These fowls feed on grains, worms, slugs, insects, and leaves in their natural habitat.
For small-scale poultry farmers, people who love to keep ducks, geese and chickens as pets, they often wonder if they can offer all stock feeds to these birds.
While chickens and ducks can eat all stock feed, not all chicken feeds are suitable for ducks and ducklings.
Chicken feeds and duck feeds are formulated with similar base ingredients such as corn, soybean meal, groundnut cake, or other protein sources, vitamins, minerals, fat, and a binding/carrier.
They are formulated into crumbles or pellets appropriate for different chickens and their beak sizes.
Producers of these feeds adjust the composition of these ingredients to suit the nutritional needs of birds of different breeds, varieties, and ages.
For example, the chicken feeds formulated for layers are different from feeds for broilers, and then we have growers’ feed and finisher feeds.
Then we have specialized formulas tailored for better results in poultry birds.
Can Ducks eat Chicken feed?
Yes, both chicken and duck can eat the same food.
However, there’s a slight difference in the nutritional needs of both birds.
The protein, calcium, and vitamins, especially niacin, riboflavin and amino acid balance in chicken feeds are not suitable for ducks’ healthy growth or meet their life-stage needs.
For example, Duck feeds usually have a higher composition of niacin and B-vitamins, and low rations of grains.
Therefore, ducks should not eat regular chicken feed everyday if they’re raised for commercial purposes.
But for personal consumption, yes, chicken pellets are ok for ducks, and will do better with starter feeds which commonly has higher level of protein ideal for ducks (16% – 24%)
Also, adult ducks thrive on quality non-medicated chicken feed because energy, crude protein, and many micronutrients overlap between the species.
This makes chicken feed a convenient, cost-effective option for mature ducks.
Poultry farmers often offer chicken feeds to ducks since they are widely available, have a balanced nutrient profile, and are cheaper than duck feeds, therefore, it’s cost effective.
The main concern is niacin. Like I’ve said, ducks need more niacin in their feed than chickens for proper skeletal and leg development.
Layer feeds formulated for chickens may also contain higher calcium than a duck needs during non-laying periods, which can stress kidneys or interfere with shell formation timing if used incorrectly.
Can Ducklings eat Chicken Feed?
While adult ducks can still manage chicken pellets, not for ducklings that need 20% protein for healthy overall growth.
Since ducklings are more sensitive, starter feeds formulated for chicks can be used for ducklings only if they provide sufficient niacin and crude protein.
If you’ve to feed ducklings with chicken feed, we recommend starter feeds with appropriate niacin levels or you supplement it with more niacin and protein.
This way, you can prevent niacin deficiency that causes poor skeletal growth, and similar issues.
Chick starter crumbs are the best thing to feed ducklings, but ensure it does not contain amprolium for coccidiosis or any other medications.
Some feed manufacturers also produce chicken feed plus a niacin source such as brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, or a specified vitamin premix.
Conclusion
Both adult ducks and baby ducks can eat adult chicken feed and baby chicken feed respectively.
Niacin is the single sensitive nutrient in ducks’ feeds that differ from chickens.
In conclusion, ducklings and ducks should eat chicken feeds with care, and not everyday unless there’s no risk factors.
