What inexpensive feed should Muscovy ducks have?

[Roger]

I know this is an elementary subject, and I know that there has been discussion. But, in previous posts, I can't find the simple answer that I'm asking for.

We have a fair number of Muscovies, and I must use inexpensive bulk feed.

What happened is: The person here who used to feed them every day has moved out. Now it's up to us, my girlfriend and me.

The ducks know that I've sometimes fed them, and so, whenever I cross the lawn, they all come up to me. They have a pond in which to forage. The pond is good-size, full of turtles and fish, and water-plants, but the way they all approach me makes it seem that they have an urgent lack of food. Maybe, due to the previous feeding by that other person, the ducks are in greater number than the pond can support?

Anyway, I don't like to disappoint them. I've given them dry dog-food (kibble). I've given them oatmeal. They like those things a lot, but they're too expensive for me to feed that great number of ducks every day.

The previous guy was giving them cracked corn. I've heard from others that that's a good feed for them.

Is cracked corn a lot less expensive than dog kibble and oatmeal? Is it a good feed for Muscovy ducks?

Of course the ideal would be for all the people here to share the duck-feeding expense, but that isn't happening, and it will be up to my girlfriend and me.

Roger

[Cathy]

Cracked corn would be fine for feral ducks.  It does not have near the nutrients nor protein content that they need but if they're able to forage & get adequate nutrition otherwise corn would be fine.  Mixed grain would be another idea.  A feed store or farm store such as Orscheln's or Tractor Supply, etc. would be your best bet for getting a good deal.  Grain sold for poultry is much cheaper than that sold as 'bird seed', in my experience, so there is that to consider.  Cat or dog kibble is fine for a treat, as are veggies from the garden if you have some that are unsightly or a bit over-ripe.  My birds used to LOVE, L.O.V.E. sliced cucumbers & would mob me for them.  Another muscovy owner said hers wouldn't touch them.  Hope this helps.

Cathy