However, pelleted feeds are not available in many areas of the world, and it may be difficult for small flock owners to get their home mixed feed pelleted. The problem with feeding dry mash to ducks is that it forms a sticky paste when mixed with saliva, which cakes and accumulates on the outer ridges of the mouth. In attempting to free their bills of caked feed, ducks make frequent trips to water to wash their bills, causing feed wastage. Feeding mash also reduces feed intake, and in the case of market ducks, reduces their growth rate. For small flock owners who are not able to pellet their duck feeds, one solution to the problems of feeding dry mash is to feed wet mash.
Water is mixed with the mash just before feeding.
Enough water is added to form a thick mush without making it watery. Mix only what ducks will clean up within a day. When pelleted feeds are fed to ducks it is important to avoid feeding pellets that are too large in diameter or too long for ducklings to swallow. Unauthorized use prohibited.