Do I need to give my bird oyster shell?

[beakmaster]

I have had my birds on dumor chick starter even though they are 4 months old. I have purchased some oyster shells but they are too big for my birds. Crushing them down is proving to be a challenge. How do you crush these down to size? Also, should I change them over to laying feed?

 

[TwoCrows]

Do you also have males in this flock of quail? They can not tolerate the calcium levels in layer feed, so you might stick with the starter feed and offer up the oyster shell on the side.

You will have to crush up the pullet sized oyster shell pieces for quail to eat. You can also purchase oyster shell already crushed or get the stuff that is put in automatic oyster shell dispensers. It is chipped up really small for quail.

 

[beakmaster]

We have 10 in 1 pen and 2 of them are males. I have tried putting the oyster in a rag and beating it with a hammer and it didn't give up much, its tough.
Also, are meal worms healthy for them?

 

[GrandmaBird]

an old blender will work but it is REALLY LOUD and dusty! it is easier to just buy the crushed shell sold for pet birds.