Foods to Feed Ducks That Need to Put on Weight

Adult female ducks weigh between 5 to 10 pounds. Adult males, called drakes, weigh between 7 to 15 pounds. Ducks usually self-regulate their food intake. If you have a duck that seems underweight, an underlying reason probably exists. The duck should be checked by a veterinarian to determine if a disease or other health problem is causing the weight loss. An underweight duck is likely to be sick. Finding the underlying cause of its weight loss may save its life.

  1. Diet

    • A duck's diet mainly consists of whole grains, snails, insects, leaf material, crabs and frogs. Ducks can be given supplemental feed when food supply in the field is inadequate. During green pasture seasons, ducks will forage and eat large amounts of plant-based food. Greens will supply 25 percent of their nutritional needs. Ducks do not like alfalfa or other tough grasses; they prefer clover and other succulent grasses. Never use fertilizers where you plan to pasture your ducks.

    Supplemental Feed

    • Supplemental feed consists of one-third cracked corn, one-third oats and one-third wheat. An important source of calcium can be found in whole black oil sunflower seeds. Add the seeds to the duck's regular feed mix. If you purchase premixed feed, buy nonmedicated versions. Many common drugs found in feed can be fatal to waterfowl.

    Worms

    • Intestinal worms can be a cause for weight loss. This weight loss generally will be accompanied by a drastic increase in food consumption. According to the Farm Animal Shelters, worms are not usually a problem with small flocks. However, ducks should be checked for worms every three to four months and a wormer should be given twice a year as a preventative measure. Wormers can be added to the flock's water. Ensure the water is their only supply during the administration of the wormer. When purchasing wormer medication, choose a product that is made for waterfowl. Many drugs are life-threatening to waterfowl.

    Respiratory Infections

    • Symptoms for respiratory infection in waterfowl include gurgled breathing, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite. Contact a veterinarian if any of these signs are visible. Most antibiotics and sulfa drugs are lethal to waterfowl.