Question about oyster shell

[duckboatprincess]

My pekin hen just started laying yesterday. I was going to get some oyster shell for her and offer it free choice. Will that hurt the other ducks and the ducklings? Just wondered. Also, is there a specific kind that I need to get that they sell at Tractor Supply?

 

[Wifezilla]

If you offer it free choice, only the laying ducks will really be interested. When you mix it with the feed it can cause problems for drakes and non-layers.

 

[duckboatprincess]

Oh okay. So would it be okay to put in a chick feeder? (The long metal ones with holes in the top)

 

[1-duckling]

I use the small black rubbery bowls since they stay put and give the hens enough room to scoop. I did have a whipped cream dish nailed to a flat board for stability. Worked great just fine. They sure can go through the oyster shell in a hurry. I've seen the ducklings and drakes nibble at the oyster shell but they never chomp it down like the hens do.

 

[MonkeyZero]

My Lay pellet comes with oyster shells mixed in. Its nice of them to do this. However, whenever we fry eggs, the shell gets broiled for a few minutes and crushed for the hens to eat. Extra bits of calcium never hurt.

 

[duckboatprincess]

Oh okay. Thanks guys!

 

[Brassmaster]

Quote:
What kinds of problems will it cause for the drakes? My layer feed comes with calcium mixed in and that is what all the ducks eat.

 

[Wifezilla]

It depends on the dosage, but over time it can cause them kidney problems if I remember correctly. Not an issue if you butcher once they are full grown, but if you are keeping them around for a while, it can be an issue.