Thin Fragile Duck Eggs

[loofa]

Durvet from TSC is what I have been getting, I order online too.

How are you administering it to them? are you putting it in their water or food? Or syringing it into their throats (don't worry, I do know how to properly do this but of course would prefer a less invasive delivery).

 

[The drake i have with my]

Hi Everyone,

My ducks have started laying very thin and fragile eggs. I feed them Mazuri Waterfowl Breeder food and always have oyster shells out for them. They free range, so while they definitely eat the duck food, they also spend a lot of time rummaging about snorkling through the grass.

They are all just over a year old, 4 khaki Campbells and two Swedish Blue ducks. It's been very hot here lately with the west coast drought, and our drake has been over-mating some of them so we try to give them at least half the day separated from him. I can't think of anything else of relevance to report. Any guidance appreciated.

 

[Miss Lydia]

How are you administering it to them? are you putting it in their water or food? Or syringing it into their throats (don't worry, I do know how to properly do this but of course would prefer a less invasive delivery).

I use a syringe. Since I have so many I administer individually to make sure the one having issues if getting the proper dose.

 

[loofa]

I use a syringe. Since I have so many I administer individually to make sure the one having issues if getting the proper dose.

My 5 yr old Runner duck has laid 2 soft shell eggs back to back so she got a dose 1 ml of Calcium Gluconate this evening. They have oyster shell but sometimes they just need a little extra help.

Miss Lydia, how often do you give calcium? Like if you notice soft egg shells, would you give a 1ml dose just once? Periodically? Daily for a bit?

 

[Miss Lydia]

If they lay a couple soft shells close together then I give calcium gluconate for a couple of days. Then just watch to see if it helps. Some give calcium citrate over their feed instead of cal glu. Since I have a mixed flock with boys I'd rather dose individually.

 

[loofa]

If they lay a couple soft shells close together then I give calcium gluconate for a couple of days. Then just watch to see if it helps. Some give calcium citrate over their feed instead of cal glu. Since I have a mixed flock with boys I'd rather dose individually.

I have found that I can put frozen green peas (thawed of course), my ducks favorite treat, in a small bowl with the calcium and feed it to a specific duck and she'll eat it all up - so this way I make sure each girl gets her dose

 

[Miss Lydia]

Great idea.