Baby ducks need a diet rich in protein and niacin (vitamin B3) for their first six weeks to develop strong bones and bills. The best starter feed is a non- medicated duckling or chick starter feed with about 18-20% protein for the first two weeks, then switching to a 16% protein ration until they are about 14-18 weeks old

. Recommended foods for baby ducks include:

• Starter duckling feed or non-medicated chick starter feed supplemented with brewer’s yeast for niacin.
• Fresh, finely diced or mashed fruits and vegetables such as peas, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, dandelion greens, chopped grass and weeds (untreated), pumpkin, bananas, pears, apples (without seeds), tomatoes (without leaves), and berries

• Protein-rich treats like small insects, mealworms, and chopped hardboiled eggs

• Grit (small chick-sized) to aid digestion starting around 4 weeks old

Foods to avoid:

• Bread and junk food, which are low in nutrients and can harm ducks.
• Hard foods like nuts and seeds that can cause choking.
• Toxic plants such as buttercups, irises, poppies, tulips, sweet peas, lilies, vetches, milkweed, and pennyroyal

Feeding tips:

• Provide fresh, clean water accessible to ducklings at all times to help swallowing and prevent choking.
• Keep food available throughout the day as ducklings eat frequently.
• Remove old or moldy food daily to prevent infections like Aspergillosis

This diet supports healthy growth and development for baby ducks until they are ready to transition to adult duck feed.