Bountiful BackYard

**Ingredients:**

  * **Grains:** 4 cups of mixed whole grains. A good blend includes oats, corn, wheat, and barley.

  * **Seeds:** 1 cup of black oil sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or other bird-friendly seeds.

  * **Protein Source:** 1 cup of a protein source like dried mealworms, Grubblies, or even crumbled hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

  * **Binder:** 1 cup of a binder such as unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or pureed pumpkin. You might need a little more depending on the consistency.

  * **Fat:** ½ cup of melted coconut oil or lard (animal fat).

  * **Calcium Source:** ½ cup of crushed oyster shells or finely crushed eggshells for calcium.

  * **Grit:** ¼ cup of poultry grit (insoluble grit) to aid digestion.

  * **Optional Add-ins:**

      * ¼ cup of dried herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley) for immune support.

      * ¼ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a treat.

**Equipment:**

  * Large mixing bowl

  * Sturdy spoon or spatula

  * Mold (a square or rectangular baking pan, a plastic container, or even a cardboard box lined with parchment paper)

  * Parchment paper

**Instructions:**

1.  **Prepare your mold:** Line your chosen mold with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the flock block once it’s set.

2.  **Combine dry ingredients:** In the large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the grains, seeds, protein source, calcium source, and grit. If you’re using dried herbs or fruits, add them now as well.

3.  **Add wet ingredients:** In a separate small bowl, combine your chosen binder (applesauce, mashed banana, or pumpkin puree) with the melted coconut oil or lard. Mix until well combined.

4.  **Mix wet and dry:** Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix everything very thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined. It should be quite stiff and clumpy.

5.  **Press into mold:** Transfer the mixture into your prepared mold. Press it down *very firmly* and evenly. The firmer you press, the more solid and durable your flock block will be. Use the back of your spoon, your hands, or even another flat object to compact it as much as possible.

6.  **Chill and set:** Place the mold in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flock block to harden completely. For an even firmer block, you can place it in the freezer for a few hours.

7.  **Remove and serve:** Once completely set, carefully lift the flock block out of the mold using the parchment paper overhang. Remove the parchment paper.

8.  **Hang or place:** You can place the flock block directly on the ground in your duck run, or you can drill a hole through it (after it’s set) and hang it using a sturdy string or chain for your ducks to peck at.

**Tips for Success:**

  * **Consistency is key:** The mixture needs to be firm enough to hold its shape once set. If it seems too dry, add a little more binder. If it’s too wet, add a bit more dry grain.

  * **Storage:** Store any unused portions of the flock block in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

  * **Introduce gradually:** Some ducks might be wary of new things. Introduce the flock block slowly and observe their reaction.

  * **Supplement, don’t replace:** A flock block is a treat and a supplement, not a replacement for their regular balanced duck feed.