Differences in oyster shell?

[Yay Chicks!]

When I first purchased oyster shell, I just bought a very small bag of the brand NutriSource. The shell particles were small and very, very white. Yesterday I purchased a 50lb bag of Pacific Pearl oyster shell. These shell pieces are larger...probably 2 to 3 times as large, are gray and have a slight sea shore like smell. Normal? Difference in quality? Any cautions?
Thank you!

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Yes mine are the larger oyster shells. I have found that the small bags with real fine shell is for chicks.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

OregonChickenGal, thank you. Mine are 21 weeks and began laying last week, so technically pullets, and not full grown hens. Since oyster shell isn't given to chicks, is that what you mean? Would these pieces perhaps be too large for my girls?

 

[cletus the rooster]

are you feeding laying mash?if so,you dont really need oyster shell

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Since your girls are 5 mos old the larger shell should be fine. The finer shell was probably just ground finer by the company that packages it. Hope this helps.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Cletus the Rooster, thank you. I am feeding layer crumbles, but am offering oyster shell as well. I believe that's in the realm of normal. Hate to think that I would have 50# of anything for no reason at all.

I'd been told that they will only take it as they need it, and they have been taking it.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Ah...I just found something that describes the white, small oyster shell as coming from eastern Pilot oysters and the gray larger ones coming from western oysters. The article in question stated that there was better absorption from the larger, firmer grey ones as they remained in the gizzard longer while a lot of calcium is eliminated with the small, white crushed shell. The little white pieces were pretty crumbly.

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Thanks for posting. We both learned something about oyster shell today.

 

[jobeibi]

I live on the Florida coast. Oyster shell is plentiful and cheap. Is there any reason not to crush my own shells for the birds?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

That's an interesting question, Joebeibi. I don't know myself. If you don't get an answer on this thread, you might want to start a new one.