calcium

[be_collective]

I just recieved my 2nd egg and they both seem to be in good shape (nice "normal" shells). I thought that you should start feeding them oyster shells once they start to lay. Do I still need to do this, or do I do that only if the shells are weak?

 

[silkiechicken]

If you are feeding layer pellets, they should have all the calcium they need. But, if they get lots of treats or free range, it is always a good idea to have oyster shell in a dish free choice for them to eat. By the time shells get soft, the chickens body has taken out all the calcium they can from their bones.. and thats no good.

 

[be_collective]

thanks silkie

 

[aran]

silkie....we really dont need oyster shell if they are on layer rations?

 

[Chellester]

Another way to get the calicum to them that is often mentioned here on the boards is so feed their own eggshells back to them.

Some bake them in the oven to get rid of any bacteria; I nuke mine in the microwave for 1 minute. Then you crush them down fine so they don't look like eggshells anymore before feeding them to your chickens. You MUST do this, or your chickens may start eating their eggs right after laying them.