Greetings!

[Barngirl1790]

I am new to the duck world. I was given two Swedish blues that will be a year old next month. A male (Mr.Ducksworth) and female (PipSqueak). I have two questions concerning their feeding, and PipSqueaks egg laying habits.

First, we have just switch our ducks to purina flock raiser pellets with a corn mix. This is what the local feed store recommend. The question is, should I be adding fresh fruit or veggies to their daily diet as well?

Second, PipSqueak has started laying eggs already - although it’s not consistent. For example she laid an egg on 5/13 through 5/16 skipped the 17th, laid an egg on the 18th of May, and hasn’t laid an egg since. The question here is, at what age should her egg cycle be consistent?


Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Texag87]

Oyster shell is needed on the side for proper calcium.once our started back in February it’s 3-4 eggs a day with four hens. Since May it has been 4 eggs a day without fail.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They do skip days off and on and even take breaks but you def want to put out oyster shell in a separate bowl close by feed so she can use it as needed. Fruit a veggies are treats so keep them to min. Very pretty ducks

Welcome to BYC! https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ultimate-list-of-duck-treats-and-supplements.242460/

 

[Barngirl1790]

Thank you both for the advice, and link for treats! Now with the risk of sounding naive - how would I go about getting oyster shells? Is it really as simple as buying oysters and just giving her a bowl of shells?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Feed store carries them crushed and ready to go. They should be in the same section as the feed. Just ask for them.

 

[Barngirl1790]

Feed store carries them crushed and ready to go. They should be in the same section as the feed. Just ask for them.

Awesome! Thank you again