Egg shell feeding

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Hello,

Since days are shorter and most of our girls are not laying anyway; shouldn't I cease feeding egg shells to my girls at least until spring?

Thanks in advance for response.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hens seem to know if they need calcium or not as when we leave a bowl of oyster shell out, sometimes it sits there untouched for days, then suddenly it's half gone. I would leave some out at all times regardless as if they're laying eggs sporadically, they'll still need it and would have it available then.

 

[aldarita]

A very interesting question. I once asked my vet (who was an avian veterinary) if I should stop giving egg shells and oyster shells during the "no-laying season" she told me that as Debbie292b said, they seem to know when they need it. Also she mentioned that they need to replenish some of the calcium lost from their bones when they were actively laying. I keep dishes with both all year long and let them decide when they need it or not.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Okay, got it. Thanks ladies!