Layer feed and Drakes

[Miss Lydia]

Dave Holderread, in the Storey book, says not to supplement drakes w/calcium as oyster shells, or in feed, and to take ducks off layer feed when not laying.

A few years ago i read that it wasn't healthy to feed layer to roosters and drakes so I switched to Flock Raiser, and just offer the oyster shell on the side to my layers.

 

[rainplace]

Dave Holderread, in the Storey book, says not to supplement drakes w/calcium as oyster shells, or in feed, and to take ducks off layer feed when not laying.

I remember reading that in his book as well. It bothers me that my vet disagrees. My vet is also younger, and there have been a couple of times I have taught him something. I think I'll bring this topic up with him again next time he comes out.

 

[Going Quackers]

Dave Holderread, in the Storey book, says not to supplement drakes w/calcium as oyster shells, or in feed, and to take ducks off layer feed when not laying.

Yes, i read it from there too. I have no idea what is really true one way or the other however.. my girls have almost never stopped laying.. despite winter.. but again i am opting out of layer this year. I do hope to get rid of at least one drake.. and if that is still to many, then the other but i am keeping one for sure so i will always have a drake and i just am not seeing at least with my birds the need for a layer.. they are doing well without it.. and the eggs are plentiful!

 

[Going Quackers]

I remember reading that in his book as well. It bothers me that my vet disagrees. My vet is also younger, and there have been a couple of times I have taught him something. I think I'll bring this topic up with him again next time he comes out.

You have a vet for your birds? around here they want nothing to do with them... so frustrating.

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

I feed all my ducks layer mash. It does not hurt my boys. although, when you feed them the oyster shell you may want to feed them separate, or the boy will try and eat it.

 

[Going Quackers]

I feed all my ducks layer mash. It does not hurt my boys. although, when you feed them the oyster shell you may want to feed them separate, or the boy will try and eat it.

Oddly enough, i do not find my drakes(3 of 'em) touch the oyster shell, it's left free choice in the barn..

 

[destinduck]

Really what I was curious about was if anyone had an actual problem with drakes and layer feed(I know I never have BTW)and also is Holderread a vet or biologist? Anyone?

 

[Tahai]

Perhaps the best resolution to your question would be to send an email to Mr. Holderread asking him for more clarification, and where he obtained his information. With it being the beginning of their busy season, it may take awhile for them to get back to you.

 

[BallardDuck]

I remember reading that in his book as well. It bothers me that my vet disagrees. My vet is also younger, and there have been a couple of times I have taught him something. I think I'll bring this topic up with him again next time he comes out.

A bit of a thread hi-jack but I was wondering about your vet. I live in Seattle area and haven't run across any traveling vets. What area are you in?

 

[rainplace]

A bit of a thread hi-jack but I was wondering about your vet. I live in Seattle area and haven't run across any traveling vets. What area are you in?

I think my vet is in Seattle sometimes. I'm not sure how often he does house calls. I am lucky as he lives a few minutes from the farm and we have a lot of birds. Here's the link to his domestic fowl page: http://www.alaskabirddoc.com/site/view/192764_DomesticFowl.pml