chicken feed question

[Bob1]

We have just started keeping chickens and as well as learning, we will be asking questions in relation to feed and care.

with regards to calcium and protein in the diet for birds, is it safe to mix spent egg shell in with the food or just put them in and let them for it?

 

[BuffOrpington88]

It is probably better to put it in a separate dish to allow them to supplement when they need it.

 

[BunkyB]

That is a good practice to get into. I as well put my processed egg shells in a separate dish away from the food dish. You can also sprinkle it around the ground as forraging food in the grass or in the runs, that way an overdose of calcium can't or shouldn.t be an issue. That way there any they don't get goes into the ground or cleaned up when you do the pen cleaning.
Just make sure the shells are well crushed up so they do not resemble eggs. I at times food process my shells down to a powdery state and store it in the fridge in a container. Once a week I would add it to their water dishes. All chickens drink water so all chickens can benefit with taking in the calcium in their drinking water.
In my opinion only, but it made sense to me and have been doing this for many years. No waste, I like that !