At 6/7 weeks old they should have food before them at least 12 hours a day. They are getting to the age of rapid growth and plumage development. How many do you have? What breed? The key is to supply 12 hours of total access to feed and 12 hours without. What ever they can eat in that 12 hours is what their bodies need. Protein levels should be 17% to age 20 weeks after that drop it to 15-16%. This seems to be the same for all breeds of ducks--the bigger the breed the more they eat but it still is 3 pounds of feed will produce 1 pound of weight gain. Once adult weight is obtained they will taper off on the amount they eat. Cold temps will will increase their consumption between 2 to 5%. When ducks start to lay they will eat about 6-8% more than non-laying ducks.

Bonnie, you are doing great! And you are right, it does seem like things are getting harder. I guess they get easier if we stick to it, though, right? ( I hope!!) Annie, that is awesome!!!!! Congrats! Beth, wow about waitressing. I really think it is such a tough job, one of the toughest. How did your weight training go? I am a little less into it this week. Tried a new DVD from a friend but it was so repetitive and I hurt my knees a little. Also got my period EARLY (very early) so I have to deal with that. Missed my workout yesterday despite getting up very early because I had to make things for my mom's b-day . . .but I made myself get up early today to get the workout done, so I didn't miss any! Whew. I see, though, that if I can't do it in the a.m., it is very hard to fit it in at any other time. I really want to get some light equipment and new DVDs. Something easy on the knees but that will really strengthen my legs, butt, etc. to help with my knees. Ideas?

I had a long message I posted a few days ago . . .apparently it didn't go through! Annie, re: cellulite, I do think carbs/diet is part of the picture, but I also think it's far more complex than just that. And, unfortunately, it's hard as a vegetarian to limit carbs , but of course, avoiding refined carbs is always a good thing. I do always eat them with fats/protein-- always. As I stated in another thread, I had it since when I was 13! I was underweight, even. My mom does not have it (lucky!) but my aunt did, very badly. There are many causes and it's not understood so well. In my case, I think it's a mix of genetics and hormones. I am going to try dry-brushing to help with my circulation (some say it's tied to the lymphatic system); supposed to yield good results. We'll see . . . Joanie, the best thing is that, even though you feel discouraged, you are not quitting. That counts for a LOT. That is when it's the hardest, I am finding . . .so yay you!!! I suggest you throw the scale away. I really do. The scale does not mean anything. You can gain muscle and feel like you are not losing fat! It's very deceptive. You can retain water weight (or lose it)-- and then what? If you really need numbers, measure yourself with a tape measure. The easiest thing, though, is just to see how your clothes fit. I strongly suggest you add weights to your routine. Building muscle is so good for you (bone density!), AND, the more muscle you have, the better your metabolism is. Have you had physical therapy for your back? I wonder, too, how your "core/center" strength is. (See link below.) The trick will be to find a workout that does not further injure or strain your back/neck . . .I agree that perhaps jogging is not so good for your back at this point. Maybe you need something lower impact? In any case, I am really, really hoping you find answers soon because back pain can affect everything. I am so sorry you have to deal with this. :( Legomom, the Fitbit sounds like a great idea! If you want to add the plank and stretch, just plan ahead of time exactly when you'll do them, and you will get it done! Outside, that sounds like a fun trip! Does your DH exercise with you? I worked out with a ballet video that I hadn't used for awhile this am. I am really thinking that (for me), variation is key. Because each DVD is different, they each work the body in a slightly different way, giving more challenge. Even if one is a little easier, if I've put it away for awhile and come back, I get a benefit from it due to the variety. Yay to everyone for sticking with this, even when we don't feel like it! Here is a link that might be useful: Core Myths

Carmen I've been a little harsh with you lately, but not intentionally (ok maybe a little intentionally). But you do ask good questions, regardless of whether we have different philosophies or differenet viewpoints. However Calliope does make a good point. I do remember reading that weeks 6 to 8 are critical learning periods for animals - particular pack animals. Now this might apply more to dogs than cats, but cats also are "pride" animals. Weeks 6 to 8 are where a lot of "social" pack/pride skills are learned. I.E. how to get along with a litter-mate... bite-pulling... play... etc. Also, during that period, they aren't just learning from the littermate, but the mother-- i.e. what hurts and what doesn't.. what is acceptable behavior. I think you are wise to reconsider 6 weeks and go for 8 if you are letting them go. Also, you can safely neuter or spay a cat at 8 weeks and you can't ensure that at 6 -- it's too early.