Geese and duck nutrition — feeding norms by phase
Ducks and geese are waterfowl — their needs differ from chickens or turkeys. The Pekin duck grows incredibly fast and drinks a great deal. The goose thrives on pasture with fresh green grass (fresh, young grass) and is cheaper to feed. Both species are sensitive to niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency — a lack of it shows up as leg problems in young birds. We explain everything in plain language.
verifiedFrom the team that has organised work on poultry farms for years.
This guide covers poultry only — ducks (mainly the Pekin breed) and geese. For a broader overview of duck farming, see duck farming; for geese, see goose farming. All figures in this guide are INDICATIVE — based on IZ-PIB "Normy żywienia drobiu" (2025). Exact values depend on the breed, poult supplier and farm conditions. Always consult your feed supplier or an animal nutritionist.
How do waterfowl differ from chickens?
Ducks and geese are not chickens. They have a different growth rate, a different way of consuming water, and different nutritional needs. The most important difference: waterfowl are far more sensitive to niacin (vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid) deficiency. A lack of niacin causes leg problems in ducklings and goslings — the birds become lame or are unable to walk. Feeds for waterfowl must contain more niacin than chicken feeds. For more on supplementary feeds and blends, see poultry feed blends.
Pekin ducks and geese — how feed changes throughout the rearing cycle
The Pekin duck is ready for slaughter in about 6–7 weeks. The goose grows for longer and makes use of pasture. Indicative phase plan for both species — based on IZ-PIB 2018*.
Pekin ducks — starter feed (weeks 0–3)
Ducklings grow very fast — they are among the fastest-growing poultry species. In the first weeks they need a high-protein starter feed — indicatively about 19–20% crude protein. The feed must contain an adequate level of niacin (vitamin B3), because a deficiency causes leg problems in ducklings just a few days old. Feed form: crumble (finely crushed pellets) or a fine pellet. Niacin (vitamin B3) must be noticeably higher than in chicken feeds. For a comparison with broiler feeding, see broiler feeding norms.
Pekin ducks — grower feed (weeks 3–6/7)
At about three weeks, the switch is made to a grower feed with lower protein — indicatively about 16–18%. Energy in the feed rises as the duck is laying down muscle tissue and fat. The pellet may be coarser. Ducks drink a great deal and spill water — wet litter rots and causes disease, so drinkers must be installed to prevent water from soaking the litter (nipple drinkers with drip cups or overhead drinkers work well). Always ensure access to clean water — a duck alternates between feed and water, literally dipping its bill in water when eating.
Geese — starter feed (weeks 0–3)
Goslings are given a starter feed with protein indicatively around 18–20%. The feed must contain adequate niacin (vitamin B3) — as with ducks. Form: crumble or fine pellet. From about week 2–3 fresh green grass can be introduced as a supplement — geese eagerly eat it and learn early.
Geese — supplementary feed + fresh grass (weeks 3–10 and beyond)
The goose is a grazing bird — it makes excellent use of fresh, young grass. During this period, concentrate feed (pellets) supplements the grass, not the other way round. Protein in the supplement may drop to indicatively about 15–17%. The better and more abundant the fresh grass, the less concentrate is needed — this is why feeding geese is often cheaper than feeding other poultry species. Keep the pasture young and lush — old, tough grass is harder to digest.
Breeding geese — layer feed
Breeding geese have different needs from fattening geese. Protein in layer feed is indicatively about 14–15%. Calcium (for eggs), vitamins and trace elements are important. Feed should not be given ad libitum — laying geese put on weight easily, which reduces laying performance. Discuss the feeding programme with your feed supplier at least four weeks before the laying season.
Geese — oat finishing (grain oats)
In traditional end-stage finishing, geese are often fed whole oats as the main energy source. Oats are well tolerated by geese, provide energy and give the fat a desirable consistency. Oat finishing typically covers the last 3–4 weeks before slaughter. During this period the proportion of concentrate and fresh grass is reduced while oats are increased. Ensure clean water is available throughout the finishing period.
Niacin, water, fresh grass and feed form — what must not be overlooked
These four factors influence the health and production performance of ducks and geese more than those of other poultry species.
Niacin (vitamin B3) — critical for ducks and geese
Niacin (vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid) is needed by ducks and geese in larger quantities than by chickens. A deficiency causes walking problems in ducklings and goslings — the birds go lame and in severe cases cannot stand. Waterfowl feeds must have an adequate niacin level — check the feed composition before buying, or ask your supplier. If you are using chicken feed, it may not contain enough.
Water — ducks spill it, geese need it at every meal
Ducks alternate between feed and water — they dip their bill in water at every bite. With a poor drinker setup, water floods the litter, which rots and causes disease. Use drip-cup nipple drinkers or overhead drinkers mounted above the birds' back level. Geese need water available at each meal for proper digestion. Without clean water, both ducks and geese reduce feed intake.
Fresh grass (fresh, young grass) — the main nutrient source for geese
The goose is a grazing bird — its digestive system is adapted to fresh, young grass. Good grass means vitamins and fibre as well as real savings on concentrate feed. Pasture should be cut and rested regularly so the grass stays young. Goslings learn to eat grass from week 2–3. Do not confuse with hay — geese do not digest dry hay as well as fresh grass.
Feed form — pellet or crumble, never loose meal for young birds
Young birds (ducklings and goslings) should receive crumble (finely crushed pellets) or fine pellets — loose meal sticks to the bill and can cause choking in waterfowl that dip their bills in water. Older birds can handle a standard pellet. Geese on pasture receive pellets as a supplement to fresh grass. Check feed quality regularly — moisture destroys pellets and encourages mould.
Frequently asked questions about feeding ducks and geese
How much protein does a Pekin duck need in starter feed?add
Indicatively about 19–20% crude protein in starter feed (weeks 0–3), according to IZ-PIB "Normy żywienia drobiu" 2025. The exact value depends on the breed and rearing programme. Important: duck feed must contain more niacin (vitamin B3) than chicken feed.
What is niacin and why do ducks and geese need more of it than chickens?add
Niacin (vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid) is a B-group vitamin. Ducks and geese have a limited ability to synthesise niacin in their own bodies — they must therefore receive more of it through feed than chickens do. A niacin deficiency causes leg problems in ducklings and goslings — lameness and, in severe cases, inability to walk.
Can geese survive on fresh grass alone?add
Geese make excellent use of fresh, young grass and can eat large quantities of it for extended periods, but grass alone is not enough — especially for fast-growing goslings and laying geese. Supplementary concentrate feed (pellets) providing protein, niacin, calcium and other minerals is always needed. The quantity of supplement depends on the quality and availability of the grass.
What is oat finishing in geese?add
In traditional end-stage finishing, geese are fed whole oats as the main energy source for the last 3–4 weeks before slaughter. Oats are well digested by geese, provide plenty of energy and improve fat quality. During this period other feeds and fresh grass are reduced. It is a time-tested traditional practice in goose production.
Why do ducks spill so much water and what can be done about it?add
Ducks alternate between feed and water — they dip their bill in water at every bite. This is natural behaviour and cannot be entirely eliminated. It can be minimised by using drip-cup nipple drinkers or overhead drinkers, mounting drinkers above the birds' back level, and checking and refreshing litter regularly. Wet litter is a direct path to disease.
Can ducks and geese be fed the same feed as chickens?add
It is not recommended — chicken feeds may not contain enough niacin (vitamin B3) for waterfowl. Ducks and geese should receive feed formulated for waterfowl or specifically supplemented with niacin. Using standard chicken feed for an extended period can lead to leg problems.
When should goslings start receiving fresh grass?add
Goslings can begin to be introduced to fresh, young grass from about week 2–3 of life — in small amounts, as a supplement to starter feed. Over time the proportion of grass increases while concentrate decreases. The earlier goslings learn to eat grass, the better they adapt to pasture feeding.
Sources & resources
Manage duck and goose nutrition in DlaFerm.pl
Want to record feed phases, consumption and fattening results in one place? Create a free farm account or write to us.
Phone
+48 796 258 151