Drakes only flock question

[CayugaJana]

No problem! We all want the best for our critters, with the budget we have, and with what time we have to devote!

If you have a fuss free way you recycle your eggs shells, let me know! I’ve been wracking my brain on how to do it.

 

[rjohns39]

My birds share the same pasture, so once a week I'll put out about a cup of brewers yeast for the ducks. Sometimes the chickens and turkeys will get into it, most of the time not.

 

[CayugaJana]

My birds share the same pasture, so once a week I'll put out about a cup of brewers yeast for the ducks. Sometimes the chickens and turkeys will get into it, most of the time not.

I think that’s a good point. Once they are adults it’s more of a maintenance thing. Rather than worrying about it constantly while they are ducklings and growing.

 

[goreybabe]

No, I mix it 50% Finisher and then add oat and barley crumble and the scratch...I just scoop what I need daily into my pail...some days it might be 75% finisher?...still all healthy and happy...Ducks are easy...chickens more complex..

Ah! So easy! Thanks! I'm putting together some right now for them as a treat (and to try it out).

Yeah, I am trying to switch over entirely to ducks as our chickens age. My husband was reluctant, thus my converting him with the Indian Runner drakes. It didn't take long and he was totally onboard. He's even built them a small pond since they adore water (as you probably know, contrary to what most people seem to think, runners really do love to swim and play in the water!)

 

[chickens really]

Ah! So easy! Thanks! I'm putting together some right now for them as a treat (and to try it out).

Yeah, I am trying to switch over entirely to ducks as our chickens age. My husband was reluctant, thus my converting him with the Indian Runner drakes. It didn't take long and he was totally onboard. He's even built them a small pond since they adore water (as you probably know, contrary to what most people seem to think, runners really do love to swim and play in the water!)

Yes, I am getting out of Chickens myself as mine age too..Ducks are my passion....

 

[goreybabe]

No problem! We all want the best for our critters, with the budget we have, and with what time we have to devote!

If you have a fuss free way you recycle your eggs shells, let me know! I’ve been wracking my brain on how to do it.

I don't know if you tried this yet, but we just collect the shells in a bowl or oven-safe dish near the sink (I use an 8x8 pyrex-type). Every other day or so, I pop the dish in a 350 degree oven for 10ish mins (usually when I'm cooking something anyway). It makes the shells easier to crush into tiny fragments, membrane and all. I use a potato masher -- my kids love to do this part. Seriously, if you haven't tried toasting the shells first, it is a game changer!

We used to mix them with the oyster shells, but my chickens seem to prefer the egg shells over the oyster shells, from what I've noticed at least. Now I just dump them in a little pile near their feed. We have had the same bag of oyster shell for ages, because the chickens are basically ignoring it and gobbling down the egg shells instead.

In the spring/summer, I often sprinkle the shell bits around the garden and flowers. I figure whatever the birds don't eat, either wild birds will eat or the plants will use as compost.

 

[goreybabe]

I think that’s a good point. Once they are adults it’s more of a maintenance thing. Rather than worrying about it constantly while they are ducklings and growing.

True! Great point, rjohns39!

 

[CayugaJana]

I don't know if you tried this yet, but we just collect the shells in a bowl or oven-safe dish near the sink (I use an 8x8 pyrex-type). Every other day or so, I pop the dish in a 350 degree oven for 10ish mins (usually when I'm cooking something anyway). It makes the shells easier to crush into tiny fragments, membrane and all. I use a potato masher -- my kids love to do this part. Seriously, if you haven't tried toasting the shells first, it is a game changer!

We used to mix them with the oyster shells, but my chickens seem to prefer the egg shells over the oyster shells, from what I've noticed at least. Now I just dump them in a little pile near their feed. We have had the same bag of oyster shell for ages, because the chickens are basically ignoring it and gobbling down the egg shells instead.

In the spring/summer, I often sprinkle the shell bits around the garden and flowers. I figure whatever the birds don't eat, either wild birds will eat or the plants will use as compost.

That’s my 2 main uses also. It always seems my tomatoes need extra calcium.

I’ll try the potato smasher. That seems a lot less time intensive than what I was doing!