Egg Shell vs. Oyster Shell

[WayneD24]

Ok... so I've seen some previous posts on this subject so I do apologize in advance if this is a little redundant to some.

We have 6 ladies .. all Red Sexlink and have had them since June. We bought them as Layers not from chicks. Recently, we've noticed one of the birds has had some issues and difficulties laying ... and a few times now she had laid a deflated sack reminiscent of a broken balloon.

I was told they could be lacking calcium ... I currently feed them Layer Feed from TSC. I've also wondered the difference and pros' & cons' between eggshell and oyster shell? Seeing as we always have a lot of the eggshell, I dried them, put them in the blender and made a "beer bottle" feeder for them to much on. Will this be as effective as the Oyster Shell? I can't seem to find a local supplier that has the Oyster Shell in stock at the moment.

Enough rambling ... thanks in advance for your advice , recommendations and/or comments!

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I give both. The eggshells go out with the other scraps and they have free choice oyster shell as well. I get my oyster shell at tsc.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Oyster Shells are more effective because it dissolves slowly compared to egg shells.
I just break the egg shells with my fingers.
A layers feed should be enough for most Layers if it's the majority of diet for most breeds, but some high production sex-links need extra calcium.
One of my 5 Golden Comets needed extra Calcium when I fed a Layers feed the first summer. GC

 

[Cheeki]

I’m coming away from layers pellets because I have a mixed flock. I’m going with All Flock, corn and sunflower seed in the feeder buckets and oyster shell and egg shells on the side.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

put them in the blender and made a "beer bottle" feeder for them to much on. Will this be as effective as the Oyster Shell?

Stop blending them as that makes them pass to quickly to be absorbed. Chickens have gizzards that grind things and they need a large source calcium.

Most layer feed has about 4%. Which is plenty for most birds. I would still offer a free choice source on the side for those who may need more..

I would consider it more a reproductive system hiccup (especially in new layers, but sex links are notorious for reproductive issues) than a lack of calcium as they should sacrifice their own calcium to make hard eggs in the short term.

I personally never use layer as it's lower in amino acids. Consider using a grower or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side instead.. better nutrition for you birds also equals better nutrition in YOUR eggs, and a healthier flock able to fight all things off better!

ETA: I use both.. the hens like eating egg shells more and finish them first when available.. but there isn't enough of them to fully replenish their need and continue production so OS is always available and they use much more of it than when I did feed "layer".

 

[EggSighted4Life]

corn and sunflower seed in the feeder buckets

Corn is low in protein around 7%.. has no added vitamins and mineral.

Sunflower seed.. high fat.. not really a good long term choice...

Stick with the flock raiser and feed the others as a personal treat that comes from you. Maybe consider sprouting your items!

 

[Cheeki]

Stop blending them as that makes them pass to quickly to be absorbed. Chickens have gizzards that grind things and they need a large source calcium.

Most layer feed has about 4%. Which is plenty for most birds. I would still offer a free choice source on the side for those who may need more..

I would consider it more a reproductive system hiccup (especially in new layers, but sex links are notorious for reproductive issues) than a lack of calcium as they should sacrifice their own calcium to make hard eggs in the short term.

I personally never use layer as it's lower in amino acids. Consider using a grower or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side instead.. better nutrition for you birds also equals better nutrition in YOUR eggs, and a healthier flock able to fight all things off better!

ETA: I use both.. the hens like eating egg shells more and finish them first when available.. but there isn't enough of them to fully replenish their need and continue production so OS is always available and they use much more of it than when I did feed "layer".

I was actually just talking to the hubby about that. We sprouted sunflower seeds by accident outside the chicken fence and we thought it would be cool to do it intentionally next time. Same with the corn.
I give the chickens the whole plant and they love it. They strip everything.
I usually use the sunflower seeds to help out during cold months. The corn is usually tossed out in the mornings to occupy them while I get my coffee fix. They get cantaloupe, watermelon or a bag of shredded cabbage in the afternoon. They also get the few kitchen scraps we have. In this heat it’s usually not much because I’ve declared 5 sandwich nights a week.
I’m just trying to change things up so I’m sure the non layers aren’t getting too much calcium. I have ducks and a turkey in the same yard eating from the same feeder buckets, plus several roosters and young non laying pullets.