Where can i get some Oyster Shells?

[Tlammy]

I just heard that its necessary for ducks to have Oyster Shells if you want them to lay eggs...
where do i get them and how do i feed it to them?

 

[ChicKat]

Get crushed oyster shells at a feed store that sells chicken feed, or at a store like Tractor Supply.

Feed them 'free choice' == meaning that you put them out for the bird to eat if it so desires. I have "cage cups" that clip on the wire of the run....and I keep the oyster shell in there. You can also provide the calcium your birds need by feeding crushed egg shells back to them.

 

[Tlammy]

Oh.. ok.. how long are they good for..??

 

[HottentotTeal]

I got mine at TSC (Tractor Supply Company)

I will go down and check, but it's just crushed Oyster Shell, so being more or less a rock, I don't think they will ever expire.

I fact, I don't think i even opened mine and i bought it about a year and a half ago.


Edit: Ok i just checked and it just has a manufacture/packaging date of May 15 2010 and no expriation date.

You can assume the same thing for grit (crushed Granite), because i bought them at the same time from TSC.

If you do not have a TSC, check another feed store or a place that sells chickens.

 

[Eroc1_1]

Quote:
I REALLY don't think they have an expiration date. It doesn't mold or decay.

 

[Tlammy]

Oh.. ok.. what time should i start feeding them the shells??
Around spring..??

 

[cravenchx]

We eat oysters in the shell alot.
We save the shells and crush with a hammer
The birds do fine, as far as I know with these.
I don't know why you would have to wait til spring.

 

[Tlammy]

Quote:
Spring = Babies

 

[GrannyCarol]

I just keep the oyster shell available all the time and let the ducks decide when they need it. They know when they are low and eat some. It doesn't expire, they might break down a bit over the years, but its inert basically. Once a year or so my 20+ ducks need a new bag, its easy and cheap and makes sure they have what they need. If your ducks aren't laying now, you could wait until spring to start though.