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.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

^^ 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

 

[C Siena]

I'm dealing with this now and for the past month: soft shells, thin shells, which I am assuming is due to the chick starter they are also eating. Some eat layer ovn but now they are ravenous for the egg shells. I am buying OS and deciding which brand. The OS mixed with coral calcium is inexpensive the 100% OS is 10 times more.

I will not mix it into the feed as we have 2 roos, who do not need the extra Ca. The roos have No interest in the egg shells. I will probably mix the OS and ES together...keeping an eye on the younger ones. They have not thus far gone for the ES. The hens only eat the ES after about 3-4pm, never touching it in the morning/ early afternoon.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I'm dealing with this now and for the past month: soft shells, thin shells, which I am assuming is due to the chick starter they are also eating. Some eat layer ovn but now they are ravenous for the egg shells. I am buying OS and deciding which brand. The OS mixed with coral calcium is inexpensive the 100% OS is 10 times more.

I will not mix it into the feed as we have 2 roos, who do not need the extra Ca. The roos have No interest in the egg shells. I will probably mix the OS and ES together...keeping an eye on the younger ones. They have not thus far gone for the ES. The hens only eat the ES after about 3-4pm, never touching it in the morning/ early afternoon.

I bought this, $12.99 for 5 lbs. Flaked OS instead of lump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R24KH76?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

They like it, and they don’t go through it quickly, so it’s pretty economical.

 

[C Siena]

I bought this, $12.99 for 5 lbs. Flaked OS instead of lump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R24KH76?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

They like it, and they don’t go through it quickly, so it’s pretty economical.

View attachment 4159124

Thank you. I did see this on Amazon and Chewy.
The Manna Pro (which some on here use) is 50# for $16 But it's a mix of OS and Coral Calcium with 33-38% Ca. This Flaked is a mixture of oyster and sea shell, with 38-41% Ca. I'm deciding on which to purchase.

If all goes well, we should have 30-32 laying by the end of August.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I bought this, $12.99 for 5 lbs. Flaked OS instead of lump.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R24KH76?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

They like it, and they don’t go through it quickly, so it’s pretty economical.

View attachment 4159124

This is the one I get as well (though I get the 10 lb), the flakes are a little smaller than other brands so the chickens seem to prefer that. I mix in baked eggshells as well so I can extend it out to maybe 2 years between purchases.