Are backyard chicken eggshells really thick/strong?

[Cindy in PA]

Many of us do keep oyster shell out even when feeding layer. Each hen is different and do not read that the % of calcium in layer is all they need. You could have some hens that just need more for a number of reasons. If you have no shell or laying problems without oyster shell when feeding layer, then great. I keep it out for cheap insurance.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Layer feed has all the calcium they need providing they're only consuming layer feed. My girls forage and they also eat kitchen scraps. Fact is that they'd much rather have those things instead of the layer feed.

Since they supplement their layer diet with foraging and scraps, I will crush their shells and give them back to them. I don't mix them in the food, just offer them on the ground a few times a week. If they need additional calcium, they'll eat the shells. If they don't need it, they'll ignore the shells.