Niacin, Grit, & More

Raising ducks or geese for the first time? Whether you’re starting a backyard flock or building a small homestead, getting nutrition right from the beginning is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. While feed is the foundation, supplements help bridge nutritional gaps and support strong growth, immunity, and productivity.

Choosing the Right Feed

Start with a non-medicated waterfowl starter or an all-flock feed that includes a higher niacin content than standard chick starter. Look for feeds labeled for ducks or geese if available, as they’re often formulated with the right balance of protein and B-vitamins.

But even with a good base feed, most homesteaders supplement. Here’s why—and how.

Key Supplements to Consider

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Why it matters: Crucial for bone growth and joint health.

• How to supplement: Use pure niacinamide powder or add brewer’s yeast to feed.

• Dose: ~55–70 mg per duckling daily. Adults need ~30–40 mg.

Brewer’s Yeast

• Why it matters: Rich in B vitamins including niacin; supports energy and immune function.

• How to use: Mix into moistened feed at 1–2 tablespoons per cup of feed.

Grit

• Why it matters: Helps grind and digest whole grains, greens, and bugs.

• How to use: Offer in a separate dish free-choice. Use chick grit for young birds.

Oyster Shell or Crushed Eggshell

• Why it matters: Provides calcium for layers to build strong eggshells.

• When to use: Only offer to actively laying females.

Seasonal Supplement Tips

• Spring/Summer: Extra niacin for fast growth. Add probiotics or fermented feed to support digestion.

• Fall/Winter: More calcium and vitamin D as sunlight decreases. Offer vitamin supplements if birds are indoors.

Starter Supplement Schedule

Supplement

Ducklings (0–8 wks)

Adult Ducks

Laying Ducks

Geese

Niacin

Yes (Daily)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Brewer’s Yeast

Yes

Optional

Yes

Yes

Grit

Yes (Chick grit)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Oyster Shell

No

No

Yes (Free-choice)

Yes (if laying)

Safety Notes

• Avoid “flush-free” niacin (inositol hexanicotinate)—it’s not bioavailable to birds.

• Always introduce new supplements gradually.

• Fresh water is essential when adding any powder to the diet.

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Call to Action:
Curious how to dose niacin by flock size? Our next blog will include a flock-size calculator and printable supplement tracker for your barn wall!