Adding Oyster Shell Directly to Feed

[eggsamillion]

When I set out free choice crushed oyster shell, my hens ignore it and I can see the difference in their egg shell quality. However, when I add it directly to their layer crumbles and mix it in well, they eat it and their egg shell quality improves. I've read that this is a bad idea - adding it directly to their feed - but I'm unsure why. Can anyone explain to me why I shouldn't be doing this? It seems to work well. Thanks

 

[happyhens1972]

The theory is that the hens will eat what they need when they need it if you give it free choice whereas if you mix it with the feed, they will get it whether they need it or not and then they can get too much calcium which can have a detrimental effect on bone growth and absorption of other important vitamins and minerals....like Vit D and phosphorous.

Although you may consider there is an improvement in shell quality, it may be to the point that other things begin to suffer but they will cause damage before you can see symptoms.

If your shell quality is poor without the shell in the feed and it is of concern, maybe only add the shell to one feed per week??

 

[eggsamillion]

Thank you!