Can I feed My Chickens Crushed Egg Shells for Calcium

[Newbie322]

Hi
Someone told me I can crush up egg shells to feed to my chickens as a calcium supplement instead of having to buy oyster shells. I have one of those magic Bullets so i can pulverize the shells.
Please Advise
Thanks
Newbie322

 

[ChristieB]

Yep sure can! I just use a can or jar and crush them up, they don't need to be powder just small enough to not be recognised as eggs or choke
Welcome

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us and sorry I missed your original new member post.

Many folks do use the eggshells in place of buying oyster shells as ChristieB has advised. I have read you should bake them but many don't. It would seem drying them in the oven would make it easier to bust them up and make them safer to leave out for the flock.

If you have not already done so, you should explore the other forums and the learning center articles.

 

[Newbie322]

Thanks,
Another question, they are only about 10 weeks old, is this to young yet to feed them the Xtra Calcium, From what I have been reading is to wait until they start laying Also I am using paving sand which is a concrete sand mix with pebbles small rocks, which I obtained in bulk from a local quarry, is this safe for them.

Thanks Again

 

[Newbie322]

Thanks
I am already exploring these forums, I belong to a couple different ones . Very helpful and great ideas and everyone seems to be on the same page here. when giving advise. I have never had chickens it seemed a little confusing and hard at first especially on feeding IE: Grower/Layer Feed/ Grit etc, but its starting to make sense and seems quite easy.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us! Yes, you can feed chickens their eggshells.

 

[drumstick diva]

YES, it is TOO EARLY to feed the chicks extra calcium, they don't need it until they are laying.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

x2 on drumstick diva's comment...when your chicks are young (pre-laying) they need grit to help them digest their food. Once they reach the laying stage, that's when you can give them the extra calcium found in crushed egg shells or crushed oyster shells.

Nice to have you here and good luck with your new flock!

 

[Newbie322]

Thanks Everyone

 

[whoop whoop]

good luck with chooks -