Do I need Oyster shell?

[gryeyes]

DG is Decomposed Granite. Garden/Yard centers are very familiar with it, as are construction sites. It's used as a base under pavers, walkways, patios, etc. The stuff is ground up granite, from small bits down to crunchy sand. Sharp edges, not rounded like pebbles. Compacts very well as a base for patios, etc. And would be just fine for chicken grit!

I use construction sand, or "all purpose" sand. Not play sand - that's too fine. I just buy a 50# bag of it now and then, replenishing the sand in two plastic "dust bath" pans, and throwing the rest on the ground in a particularly sunny spot. (The plastic pans with sand are tucked under covered areas, so the chickens still have a place to scratch and flap even when it's raining.)

As for oyster shell, I bought some the other day, but I'm not putting it out unless I see a problem with soft eggs develop. Just wanted to have it on hand, in case it should be necessary at some time.

 

[1/2DozenWings]

Thank you,

Great ideas! I'll get some DG and some sand for my two very spoiled EEs.

And oyster shell for my O-C behavior.....once I pick up my day-old chicks in 2 weeks, I'll be too busy to micromanage, nope, still will.

Thanks again

 

[ChickyLaura]

I put it out. Sometimes they peck at it, sometimes they don't. You can also wash and dry out your egg shells, and crush them up instead of oyster shell.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I put a pie pan full of it out there once a week...usually that is not gone by the end of the week so I just add a little more. Found out that you should not use a " disposable tin" one but an actual metal one LOL they like to shred it to pieces! Usually in the summer I remove it totally or just throw some on the ground once in a while because mine all free range and they get plenty of everything they need when they free range.

 

[mkwags]

Quote:
I was wondering if that is good to do. I've done it before, so thanks for letting me know it's good in calcium for them!