Are 3v operated 555 timers are available

 

Yes, but they are the CMOS versions, with really restricted currents on the output. Interestingly, these same timers can source more current as the power supply voltage goes up.

Radio Shack sells them.

 

They can also be had from Digikey.

Intersil's ICM7555 is rated for operation on as little as two volts. http://www.intersil.com/data/fn/fn2867.pdf Source and sink currents are in figures 6 and 7.

 

Thanks for providing the details

Yes, but they are the CMOS versions, with really restricted currents on the output. Interestingly, these same timers can source more current as the power supply voltage goes up.

Radio Shack sells them.