Hi I am currently feeding purina flock raiser to my ducklings and chicks. They will be moving into the 1 year old chickens and duck pen that are eating layena. I plan to feed them all flockraiser when I combine them. I know the laying hens/duck will need calcium so i should give free choice oyster shells. My questions are..Can I get Oyster shell at Tractor supply, Will the chickens/duck know to eat it, and How should I give it to them(in a dish, etc.). Thanks!
You should be able to get oyster shell at any feed store, or wherever you get your chicken feed. They will know to eat it when they need it; I would offer it in a separate dish, but some mix it straight into the feeder.
That is a standard way of feeding a mixed flock. Just put the oyster shell in a separate feeder or dish. I hung a pint plastic yogurt cup on the run fence, cut a drain hole pretty low in it to handle rain water, and put oyster shell in that. Don't be surprised if your young ones take a bite of oyster shell, especailly when they first see it. They are just being curious. They should not eat enough to damage themselves. If you are feeding a mixed age flock, do not mix it with the feed. That defeats the purpose. Definitely offer it on the side.