Adding calcium when they won’t touch oyster shells

[chickenwhisper123]

@rosemarythyme where do you find the flaked? I have crushed as you described and they have no interest. I’m thinking I could mix the flaked shell in with their fermented feed and they would inhale it.

It sounds like you're talking about feeding crushed or flaked eggshells (or possibly oyster shells) to chickens for calcium. If they’re not interested in the crushed shells, flaked might work better, especially if mixed with their fermented feed. Some chickens can be picky about texture, so blending it in with something they already love can encourage them to eat it. You might also try drying and baking the shells before crushing them to improve palatability.


Were you asking where to find flaked shell, or how to make it? If you meant where to buy it, many farm supply stores sell finely ground or flaked oyster shells specifically for poultry.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

It sounds like you're talking about feeding crushed or flaked eggshells (or possibly oyster shells) to chickens for calcium. If they’re not interested in the crushed shells, flaked might work better, especially if mixed with their fermented feed. Some chickens can be picky about texture, so blending it in with something they already love can encourage them to eat it. You might also try drying and baking the shells before crushing them to improve palatability.


Were you asking where to find flaked shell, or how to make it? If you meant where to buy it, many farm supply stores sell finely ground or flaked oyster shells specifically for poultry.

I was asking where to buy it. I haven’t seen it locally but haven’t looked too hard either. When I do find it, I think I’ll switch to see if it makes a difference. Worst case I mix the flakes and crumbles and have enough oyster to last me a lifetime.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I was asking where to buy it. I haven’t seen it locally but haven’t looked too hard either. When I do find it, I think I’ll switch to see if it makes a difference. Worst case I mix the flakes and crumbles and have enough oyster to last me a lifetime.

I buy both on Amazon. Only one of my 4 chickens touch the flake type

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, egg shell are good. IMO only 20-30 seconds in the microwave is just fine. Saves time and energy.

I find it easier to just pile them up on an oven safe tray, and pop it in during preheat when I'm making dinner or baking (and they're ready when oven is done preheating). So no extra time or energy used that way.

 

[BDutch]

that's neat I did not know you can do it in the microwave TY for the tip!

Dont try a whole egg.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Dont try a whole egg.

My SIL did that decades ago, blew the door off the microwave.

 

[NameIwish]

Ah. I was hoping you were getting it from a local chain store that might be near me. Thanks!

Tractor Supply and Walmart as well as Amazon offer it or substitutes just 'googol' "Flaked Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement for Chickens"

 

[Clukcluks]

You can try flake oyster shell, some birds prefer that over crushed

However, given they are eating layer feed they may be getting enough from their feed hence why they aren't eating the oyster shell.
The hen I am thinking she might have something else going on with her, as for the pullet new layers often lay wonky eggs when they're just getting started. I wouldn't let that worry you yet

My girls are young 5 to7 month old and they are just now starting to lay eggs. 3wht and 2brwn. The white leghorns are bigger and one more 2day. Both colors have hard shells, look greatan so do my girls. I have some concerns about their poops. Morning poops, Orange is fresh. So far I have not provided any calcium supplements. SHOULD I

 

[tlcmurphy]

My girls are young 5 to7 month old and they are just now starting to lay eggs. 3wht and 2brwn. The white leghorns are bigger and one more 2day. Both colors have hard shells, look greatan so do my girls. I have some concerns about their poops. Morning poops, Orange is fresh. So far I have not provided any calcium supplements. SHOULD I

If you are feeding layer feed it has calcium added. If you are feeding anything else you need to provide calcium (oyster shell) on the side

 

[Clukcluks]

If you are feeding layer feed it has calcium added. If you are feeding anything else you need to provide calcium (oyster shell) on the side

This is what I feed my girls. Is this OK in your opinion