What to Know About Waterfowl Nutrition

When most people think of feeding ducks or geese, they imagine tossing bread into a pond or letting them nibble on kitchen scraps. But the truth is, these charming birds have very specific nutritional needs, especially when raised at home or on a homestead. One key part of their health? Vitamins!

Why Vitamins Matter for Waterfowl

Vitamins help regulate everything from bone growth to feather quality, immune health to reproduction. Just like humans, ducks and geese can suffer from deficiencies if their diet isn't well-rounded.

One of the most important vitamins for waterfowl is niacin, or vitamin B3. This crucial nutrient helps support healthy bones, especially in growing ducklings and goslings. Without enough niacin, young birds can develop leg deformities and mobility issues.

Can Ducks and Geese Just Eat Chicken Feed?

Not exactly. While chick starter is often used for ducklings, it usually doesn’t have enough niacin. Waterfowl require significantly more niacin than chickens. That’s why many duck keepers supplement their flock's diet with niacin-rich additives like brewers yeast or pure niacinamide powder.

Common Supplements to Know

Here are a few common supplements beginner waterfowl keepers might consider:

• Niacin (Vitamin B3): Essential for leg and bone development.

• Brewer’s Yeast: A natural source of B vitamins, often mixed into feed.

• Grit: Helps with digestion, especially if birds are eating anything other than pellets.

• Oyster Shell: For layers, helps provide the calcium needed for strong eggshells.

Signs of a Vitamin Deficiency

Not sure if your ducks or geese are missing something in their diet? Watch for these early signs:

• Wobbly legs or reluctance to walk

• Poor feather condition

• Slow growth

• Reduced egg production

Quick Tip for Beginners

You don’t need to go overboard with supplements. A good waterfowl feed, access to greens and bugs, and a sprinkle of brewer's yeast or a tiny pinch of niacin in the water during early growth stages goes a long way.

Call to Action:
Want to learn how to mix niacin safely into your duckling’s water? Or how to build a feed plan for geese through all four seasons? Check out our upcoming blogs in the Waterfowl Supplement Series for beginner-friendly guides and printable charts!