As the Runners grow taller and fuller they require more nutrients
than what their starter feed offers. This past week we have
switched up their feeding routine to mimic their upcoming garden schedule. Ducklings more than chicks require an ample amount of Niacin (B3) and Calcium in their diets. You can simply give them a water soluble "multi-vitamin" or you can supplement their diet using
whole foods. Tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, carrots and nutritional yeast are
just some of the niacin rich foods that ducks can eat. Without ample niacin
ducks can experience a lack of growth and have a difficult time
metabolizing their feed for energy which in turn gives them weak muscles,
especially in their legs. Calcium is also an important addition to their diets
right now so we have been giving them a treat of yogurt with live cultures. As
they grow older niacin and calcium are important supplements for egg laying
as well. Their daily "duck-feast" is a mash-up of dry pellet
starter feed, a large ripe tomato, 4 scoops of Nutritional yeast and a green leafy vegetable,
mixed with some water, yogurt and feed. They LOVE it.
These ducks (the ladies) and drakes (the gents) grow up fast and
as they await their entry to their home in the garden I can't help but be a bit sentimental. Just this morning I was remembering the first
night we had them - so small and vulnerable! - their little chirps and leg
stretching, first swims and first feathers, quacks and individual
personalities. A.J. is still the biggest and is most definitely the flock leader
(pictured above in the pool in the middle) and Ressie is in the front on the right. Also on the Duck Front we will begin construction of their new
home "Fort Knox" over the next few days. We are very excited to have
them part of our garden community and community at large, we know that they will
make a wonderful addition not only to the garden but for educational
purposes within the community as well. Many people inside and outside of
our garden community have offered their support (from vet care to solar heating!) and have volunteered their time to care for the
ducks. It takes a village after all! And we are one committed village...
XOMC
