Food2

If you have a female laying duck, its an idea to get her some oyster shell grit and some granite grit. Grit is basically a calcium boost and although its not essential is helps your hen-ducks produce harder shells on the eggs. You will find that drakes (male ducks) won't eat the grits, and its not really important for them to eat it either, so don't force them, they usually know best for themselves. Don't mix the grit in with food, and don't class grit as a meal, put it in seperate small dishes and let the ducks nibble at it when they want too, don't force them to eat it all up or have a set amount that they have to eat per day. If your ducks do not get to acess natural grit i.e. small stones in grass etc.. it is a must to give them grit now and then. Although I cannot see how anyone's duck(s) could live like this.

It's VERY important not to let your ducks eat mouldy, wet or old feed. If you see spilt food on the floor (they are messy eaters sometimes) clean all of it up, don't leave it there and just clean up the bowl as the ducks will nibble at it along with anything else that looks tasty thats on the floor. Even be careful when storing their food, as mould really does not go down well with ducks. A large sealed plastic bin is a good idea to keep your duck food in, this way it doesn't get wet or damp, and is not exposed to the air so to keep it freasher. An idea of mine for their eating areas is a flat topped pyramid with the food bowl ontop. Under the bowl is netting, up the sides is wooden ramps (for the ducks to climb up) and gaps between the ramps are netted, undernieth is a large tray. The idea is, that your duck(s) strolls up the ramp, makes as much mess as they want while eating, all the execess food falls through the mesh and is collected in the tray. the whole thing is light and movable, so one can easily acess the tray and clean it out. This stops "used" food from lying about and causing trouble. Make it whatever size suits you and how may ducks you have.