Adding calcium when they won’t touch oyster shells

[rosemarythyme]

So why do people do this if you still have to supply them with Oyster Shells.

Not 100% sure on the question but I'll answer it both ways I'm reading it.

1. Why use eggshell? Because some birds prefer crushed eggshell over oyster (I mix both in the "oyster" bowl so they just kinda take whatever is in front of them). And it helps stretch your dollar - the oyster shell I buy isn't the cheapest so adding eggshells in extends out how long a bag will last, while still meeting their calcium needs.

2. Why bother with oyster shell? Because especially if you don't use layer feed, there's not enough calcium in the feed itself to meet a laying hen's needs. Nor in eggshells, as those draw from the calcium in their diet, so as you can imaging as they continue to produce eggs they're using up more calcium than available in non-layer feed + eggshell. In your case assuming you only feed layer feed, that's adding extra calcium back into their system so supplementing with mostly eggshells might be enough, depending on the needs of your flock.

 

[BDutch]

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

To be sure they always can eat what they need: best put a bowl with crushed oyster shells or another calcium source on the side.
I always give their own eggshell back to them. Microwaved and in small pieces. They prefer to eat eggshells above the oyster shells.

The stinky morning poop is just right. This is what healthy chickens do.

 

[BDutch]

It looks to be fine for calcium, but like many layer feeds is low protein. It certainly won’t hurt your girls though!
I prefer to feed an All Flock feed (low calcium for young birds, non-layers, Roos etc) and then give them oyster shell on the side. I feed Kalmbach feed which is 20% protein, Chewy and Amazon carry it.

^^ good advice apart from the idea to sponsor Jeff Besos, one of the richest people on this earth who abuses his wealth to contaminate to world with greenhouse gasses. And does not pay his employees a descent wage.

If you have hens only. It’s not a good idea to mix extra calcium in chicken feed above 4% if your hens don’t have a shell problem. If one hen gives soft shell eggs, best give her calcium tablets for week.

 

[ChaosMom]

^^ good advice apart from the idea to sponsor Jeff Besos, one of the richest people on this earth who abuses his wealth to contaminate to world with greenhouse gasses. And does not pay his employees a descent wage…

Not to go too off-topic, but as someone who occasionally and reluctantly gives money to Darth Bezos, I’d like to point out that, unlike most locations in Europe, it has become very difficult to “shop local” in the US for specialized products. First Walmart and similar superstores (Home Depot, Best Buy) were able to drive many local stores out of business, and now Amazon is impacting them.

- I’m no fan of his labor and business practices, as I’m sure you would guess.

We deal with the reality we have as best as we can.

 

[Clukcluks]

Not 100% sure on the question but I'll answer it both ways I'm reading it.

1. Why use eggshell? Because some birds prefer crushed eggshell over oyster (I mix both in the "oyster" bowl so they just kinda take whatever is in front of them). And it helps stretch your dollar - the oyster shell I buy isn't the cheapest so adding eggshells in extends out how long a bag will last, while still meeting their calcium needs.

2. Why bother with oyster shell? Because especially if you don't use layer feed, there's not enough calcium in the feed itself to meet a laying hen's needs. Nor in eggshells, as those draw from the calcium in their diet, so as you can imaging as they continue to produce eggs they're using up more calcium than available in non-layer feed + eggshell. In your case assuming you only feed layer feed, that's adding extra calcium back into their system so supplementing with mostly eggshells might be enough, depending on the needs of your flock.

Both of your responses are the 1st comments that make the most sense about calcium that I have heard from this group. Thanks. I'm going to do what you do (resp. #1) and blend the two. Resp #2 I do feed them laying feed