Alternatives to Oyster Shell?

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyar...need-to-give-my-hens-oyster-shell-or-H38.aspx
This website gives a good point that if the chickens are foraging all day they may throw off the level of calcium in their diets and thus need supplementation.

I guess it depends on if you free range.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I think you missed my point. Unless you are mixing your own feed, you are likely getting enough calcium in the layer feed that you are buying in the bag.

However, not everyone uses a layer feed and I think there are compelling reasons not to, especially if you own rooster(s), hatch regularly from broodies, have a mixed flock, a molting flock or a breed of birds that lay infrequently. Not every bird requires the exact same amount of calcium so it is reasonable to assume that a commercially mixed, set percentage calcium is not a one size fits all.

Some people choose to do a layer and a supplemental calcium as a just in case, others like Chris and I, avoid a layer all together and rely on an external calcium source for all of the birds calcium needs. The OP has not switched to a layer yet so having a calcium source for her birds to eat as needed as they start to lay is a perfect option. Seeing that she will be raising chicks soon and will have a mixed flock for some time, I see no reason to use a layer at all.

 

[donrae]

I have never heard of older hens having a fishy taste. That's a new one for me. Guess I'll let you know when I process some of these old girls!

 

[CreativeCowgirl]

Thanks for all the replies! This has been very helpful.

I heard about the fishy taste thing from a lady I know who has been keeping chickens much longer than me. It could just be an old wives tale, I don't know, that's just what she told me. Maybe I will ask her to explain a bit more when I see her next.

The limestone sounds like a good option, do they carry that in feed stores or would I have to look elsewhere for it?

 

[Imp]

Here's some other good sources of calcium:

The seafood might run the same risk, you are trying to avoid.


1. Spinach & Swiss Chard
2. Salmon & Sardines (canned with bones)
3. Mustard, Collard, Kale & Turnip greens
4. Shellfish
5. Blackstrap molasses (can cause runny stools)
6. Corn Tortillas
7. Yogurt
8. Mozzarella & Cheddar cheese
9. Milk, Buttermilk (goat's milk and cow's milk)
10. Basil, thyme, dill seed, cinnamon, and peppermint leaves
11. Romaine lettuce
12. Rhubarb
13. Almonds, Peanuts & Brazil Nuts

14. Black Beans, Dried Beans (Cooked)
15. Sesame seeds
16. Fennel
17. Cabbage, Bok Choy, & Chinese cabbage
18. Summer squash
19. Green beans
20. Garlic
21. Tofu & Soybeans
22. Brussel sprouts & Broccoli
23. Oranges (Some people do not feed citrus to chickens)
24. Asparagus & Okra
25. Crimini mushrooms
26. Foods Fortified with Calcium: Some Orange Juice, Breads, & Cereals

Imp- Good luck

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thanks for all the replies! This has been very helpful.

I heard about the fishy taste thing from a lady I know who has been keeping chickens much longer than me. It could just be an old wives tale, I don't know, that's just what she told me. Maybe I will ask her to explain a bit more when I see her next.

The limestone sounds like a good option, do they carry that in feed stores or would I have to look elsewhere for it?

I don't know but by all means make sure it is for feed! There is dolomitic, quicklime, hydrated lime, etc. that I presume isn't for feed, and I haven't read up on this but I did do a quick search and found this website.

In other words- make sure it isn't the wrong kind:
http://www.lime.org/lime_basics/faq.asp
sounds like lime isn't for feed and limestone is but like I said I know nothing about it so read up on it

see page 8 (323):
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/~chibale/an12poultryfeeding.pdf

 

[smedly9921]

Wow all this back and forth about calcium. I use a layer feed that has all the calcium they ever need but just in case I take the egg shell crush it and bake it in the oven to kill any bacteria then put it along with grit in a flat feeder and let the chickens eat it when they need it. I usually do not need more than a dozen eggs worth of egg shell every other month or so unless of course one of the chickens spills over the feeder. It seems to work for me there egg shells are strong and the chickens have healthy strong bones.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I have heard that if you ever plan on processing your birds later, the oyster shell can make them have a bit of a fishy taste.

The story sounds pretty fishy to me... Oyster shell is calcium carbonate, the same as limestone, just in a different crystalline form.

Somebody made note that eggshell may be more easily digested, but that does not necessarily make it better. A good part of shell production is done at night when a hen is at roost and not eating. She needs to take in enough calcium when she is eating to make that shell, otherwise it comes from her own reserves. That's where the particle size comes into play. Smaller particle sizes are more readily digested but pass through the system too quickly. Larger particle sizes remain in the gizzard longer into the night. That's why that the study that was quoted in this thread showed an increase in specific gravity with greater particle sizes. (Specific gravity being an indicator of shell mass).

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Is there a reason that you aren't relying on the content of the layer feed to supply all the calcium they need?

Those with mixed flocks may be feeding free choice calcium to avoid problems with non-layers eating high calcium feeds. Excessive calcium is detrimental to roosters, chicks, and immature pullets. In breeder operations the roosters are normally fed separately. The hen feeders will have excluder grills to keep the roosters from eating the hen ration. The rooster rations are hung high enough to keep the hens from reaching.