Grit for ducks. Can any sea shell do?

[KaleIAm]

I think if we humans can eat boiled clams and or seafood it must be sterile enough for ducks. Right?

Oh that's good logic! Lol! There could be something that makes ducks sick but not humans. Still, I'll get onboard with boiling is likely good enough.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

That's really scary if you found metal in there.

The sad part is there wasn't just a small piece or two, but it was completely filled with small metal pieces like bits of what looked like steel wool. I threw the whole thing away and didn't let my ducks anywhere near it. I even had my husband look at it because I thought I was seeing things and there was no way someone could manufacturer something filled with metal shards like that.

 

[davez]

I would pIck up some ground limestone road mix - very cheap and can be used for grit and a source of calcium. (Not the best - but it will supply some calcium, too.) Or brick leveling sand for grit - super cheap and good grit source.

 

[Little white duck]

Hmm. I heard somewhere that it is really unreliable because some brands have additives that are very harmful to the health of birds. And also heavy metals.

 

[Betsy88pi]

Here where I live ground-up oyster shells are hard to come by. And 5 times the average price in the states. I have been hand grinding clamshells for the ducks, although the clamshells have been baking in the sun for a few months so I guess they're sterilized. Could I boil the sea snail shells?. Their huge, the size of large clams. I'll get some extra grit for the ducks now. They free range so they probably have some grit. I´ll put a photo of the sea-snail-shell later so you guys can see if it's worthy of duck consumption.
Also, I say I don't have enough calcium is because every time I put the ground clamshells or any other source of calcium the ducks gobble it up so quickly that nothing is left after a few seconds. Also, some ducks eat soo much that others don't get any. I have been having some softshells so I don't prevent the ducks from eating it. So I guess I need more calcium.

What is the cost of oyster shells where you live?