Spending update
20 July 2016
Note: Having trouble uploading photos with updates via iPad, unfortunately this is my only option since my laptop blew up a week ago.. Will upload via gallery when it wont work from here.
An update on where money has gone this week. On Monday I brought some food and litter. Unfortunately forgot to get a receipt for the litter.
I got some more wood shavings today, just a bag, and remembered the receipt. Ill attach one of those receipts to this, and upload the other to the gallery.
I have gas hot water and have realised I am going through it maybe 3-4 times as fast because of all the hot water I use for ducklings (hot water in each meal of mash, hot water in vegies, hot water to clean dishes, wash bedding and towels and run baths for any that stay inside...)
Feed:
Ive been going through 25kg bags of grower feed waay too fast, just two days the last one. And at $32 a bag its too much. So on Monday I went back to layer pellets plus wheat plus cat food. It means I cant just feed pellets (and extra niacin) to the duckings over 2 weeks as they would get too much calcium from a layer feed. So I have to get more creative, and make sure they get a reasonable amount of their feed from wheat, cat food, rice etc.... Without lowering or raising their overall protein levels. And without feeding too much 'blank' (filling but not nutritionally balanced) foods like rice.
This is most important for the ducklings that arent old enough to free range by day. As they are reliant on me to ensure they get all the right vitamins and minerals carbs and protein, in the right ratios. The ducks free ranging are at least supplimenting what I feed with what they forage. And hopefully thats reasonably balanced!
As well as the pellets and wheat, I also get:
Brewers yeast or vitamin B suppliment to add extra niacin
Cat food to add extra protein to younger ducklings, and to add protein when feeding rice etc
Mixed vegetables
Rice which I use when I need to reduce protein content in a ducks diet, ie to prevent angel wing.
Mixed seeds (various larger seeds, to add to the wheat for a little variety)
Oyster shell grit when feeding grower pellets, this is to ensure my domestic laying ducks get their calcium.
Thanks to the free lettuce and watercress I get from Moonshine Farms, the ducks also enjoy lots of green frill lettuce and other varieties, which they absolutely love as a treat!
Attached a video of Maisie, one of my mummy ducks, to make this post more interesting!