Australorps breed Thread

[Gramma Chick]

I've already purchased a small hanging, metal container that will hold ground oyster shell in their coop area - it makes no sense to raise hens for eggs and deny them enough calcium to produce for optimal numbers of eggs. Oyster shell will be standard for our girls. Thank you for reminding me - I'm on vacation and we've been drinking a good bit over this New Year's so ... my mind was elsewhere when I posted.

Some give O shell free choice ...Ive found mine dont help them selves ..I have to mix it in their feed.. if I had the choice of corn or stones ...I would pick corn every time too

 

[bruceha2000]

Mine naturally hit the oyster shell container. I saw some of the pullets that hatched this spring investigating it just before they started laying. I don't know how THEY know they need it, but they do.

 

[Birdrain92]

Mine naturally hit the oyster shell container. I saw some of the pullets that hatched this spring investigating it just before they started laying. I don't know how THEY know they need it, but they do.

I believe it is rather instinct or I would guess sense of smell. If it's something they need they know it and will get it. Animals know how to try and keep themselves healthy. It's awesome that animals know what they need in my opinion.

 

[justdishy]

Hi, glad to find this thread. I have noticed my hens (incl 2 BA's) chow down on oyster shell! 8 hens will eat 1 cup in 2 days... Then shells will have little hard bumps on the ends. Can't be comfortable passing through the tract

. So I only give them about a cup of shell a week. Ideas or suggestions?

 

[appps]

My last lot of oyster shell went off which sounds ridiculous. I kept it in the plastic bag in their feed bin and it grew black mold. I haven't thrown it yet just because the bin was full. Can't imagine what would be in oyster shell to grow mold? It was damp when I bought it but I thought maybe it always comes like that?

 

[Birdrain92]

Hi, glad to find this thread. I have noticed my hens (incl 2 BA's) chow down on oyster shell! 8 hens will eat 1 cup in 2 days... Then shells will have little hard bumps on the ends. Can't be comfortable passing through the tract

. So I only give them about a cup of shell a week. Ideas or suggestions?

I would hold off on the oyster shells for a little bit. When the shell starts to feel gritty or have no shell you need oyster shells. Or add other feed that is low in calcium to balance the oyster shells.

My last lot of oyster shell went off which sounds ridiculous. I kept it in the plastic bag in their feed bin and it grew black mold. I haven't thrown it yet just because the bin was full. Can't imagine what would be in oyster shell to grow mold? It was damp when I bought it but I thought maybe it always comes like that?

Oyster shells tend to be dry and powdery.

 

[justdishy]

birdbrain thanks for your info. Haven't seen any weak shells yet other than one early shell-less egg. Any idea why they like the shell so much & what else I could give them?

 

[Birdrain92]

birdbrain thanks for your info. Haven't seen any weak shells yet other than one early shell-less egg. Any idea why they like the shell so much & what else I could give them?

Cracked corn can lower the calcium. Are your hens molting?

 

[justdishy]

Not molting. I do give them cracked corn daily as a treat, about 1/4 cup each.

 

[appps]

Not molting. I do give them cracked corn daily as a treat, about 1/4 cup each.

When you picture the size of their crop, and that they will always eat treats first, isn't that a bit much? Curious?