Do ducks need crushed oyster shells like chickens?

[cat1994]

I know chickens sometimes need crushed oyster shells to make the eggs they lay have stronger shells? But do ducks need crushed oyster shells also? Thanks

 

[theron]

Yes they do. Happy to help

 

[cat1994]

Quote:
Thanks, I thought they did but my dad said they didn't, thank you

 

[toadbriar]

You can also crush the shells of the eggs they give you, and feed those back in addition to the oyster. Why let em go to waste you know?

 

[Miss Lydia]

My muscovy girls eat it when they are laying. Their egg shells are like cement just about have to use a hammer to crack, lol

 

[duckluv]

You should give it in a seperate dish from the main food, it's bad for the drakes.

 

[cat1994]

Quote:
Oh my, really? How can I keep my lil drakes from eatting it when they want to?!

 

[linda_zeagler31002]

Yes, please tell me the answer also, because my drakes jump the hens over any food, LOL

 

[duckluck]

Quote:
Oh my, really? How can I keep my lil drakes from eatting it when they want to?!

The drakes most likely won't even try...mine don't. They might eat a bit at first but then they'll ignore it, provided they are well fed otherwise.

 

[katharinad]

Yes, the same here. I currently have 3 food bowls in the duck house. One big bowl with the 17% protein grower/developer crumbles, one small bowl with the oyster shell, and one small bowl with grit. We have snow on the ground, so they need the grit. The boy doesn't eat the oyster shell, but they girls do. I also have a dog waterer, which I add a vitamin/mineral additive once per week. They also get greens (no spinach) as snacks. They are quite happy and thrive nicely.