All flock or layer feed?

[Annalyse]

Some chickens seem to really not like oyster shell. They prefer eggshell (it's more natural to them and they know it - people give them oyster because it's available and convenient, but where would a chicken encounter oysters naturally?) Have you tried giving them eggshell instead? I don't use layer feed, I use flock raiser with crushed eggshell on the side and my hens lay strong eggs with no problems. As long as they have eggshell available at all times, they'll be fine. If you only use your own eggs and can't keep up with the hens' demand (some eggshell gets spilled/wasted, some calcium goes towards other bodily needs, etc. and the net isn't enough for egg production) you can ask your neighbors for their eggshells that they don't need, to add to your own to keep the supply steady. I only have 5 hens, so I occasionally still buy eggs and save their shells, so I always have enough to meet the flock's demand.

I sell their eggs so Idk how to keep up with ppls demands and give them egg shelles

 

[CalBickieMomma]

I’m going to keep an eye on this thread. I’m having the same problem (a few girls laying soft shell or no shell eggs, and just lost another hen due to reproductive tract complications). I offer All Flock because I have a roo, too, with oyster shell and cleaned, dried egg shell mixed in. Trying to figure out another way to get more calcium into the girls who aren’t laying well.

 

[Tonyroo]

I've been giving my hens layer pellets mixed with flock raiser in my canister feeder occasionally giving eggshells and oyster shells on the side. I also have a open Folgers coffee container filled with only flock raiser. My feed containers are spread out in my yard. I've had zero issues with shell density or lack of. I also have a rooster too, soon to have few more cockerels.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I’m going to keep an eye on this thread. I’m having the same problem (a few girls laying soft shell or no shell eggs, and just lost another hen due to reproductive tract complications). I offer All Flock because I have a roo, too, with oyster shell and cleaned, dried egg shell mixed in. Trying to figure out another way to get more calcium into the girls who aren’t laying well.

Hello. You can add citracal or something like that as well to the oyster shell and crushed egg shell. The citracal has vitamin d which helps with calcium up take. The problem right now also is the heat of the end of the summer. The heat is a stressor.

 

[RoosterML]

Give your birds layer feed and be done with it. I have from young to old. From geese to chicks and quail. I add about a 20% ratio Meatbird feed crumble to the layer pellet.
Last I checked birds are not dead.