eggshell calcium

[the Pollo Loco]

1st time trying it out, I'm hoping I won't have to buy any more oyster shells!!

 

[the Pollo Loco]

so far working out fine, I'm using a coffee grinder to get them crushed up, working great!!

 

[HEChicken]

so far working out fine, I'm using a coffee grinder to get them crushed up, working great!!

I just crush them with my hands. I started using a food processor but it was pointed out to me that over time the shells would scratch the plastic bowl of the processor. Since then, I leave them on the counter to dry for a few hours, then crush with my hand and store in a container on the counter. When the container is full, I carry it down to a larger container that I keep in the coop, and from which I dispense a little to them each day. I am currently feeding a layer formula, but even with that, they gobble down the shell when I put it down for them. I've never had much luck with oyster shell - they just don't seem to care for it.

 

[mg15]

I just crush them with my hands. I started using a food processor but it was pointed out to me that over time the shells would scratch the plastic bowl of the processor. Since then, I leave them on the counter to dry for a few hours, then crush with my hand and store in a container on the counter. When the container is full, I carry it down to a larger container that I keep in the coop, and from which I dispense a little to them each day. I am currently feeding a layer formula, but even with that, they gobble down the shell when I put it down for them. I've never had much luck with oyster shell - they just don't seem to care for it.

HI,
Compared to oyster shell is the crushed eggshell calcium as good and as potent ?
Thanks.

 

[HEChicken]

HI,
Compared to oyster shell is the crushed eggshell calcium as good and as potent ?
Thanks.

Good question. I've never seen any specific studies comparing the two. I do know that the shells on the eggs my birds lay are mostly good quality (tested both in the eating eggs, when cracking them they are hard, and incubating, where I haven't had any issues with porous eggs). Bottom line for me is that if they will eat the eggshell and won't eat the oyster shell, then the egg shell is definitely better and more potent

 

[Fred's Hens]

Calcium is a mineral, of course, and is found in many green plants and dairy products too. How "big" or how "small" can calcium be to still be used by the chicken? Some reports suggest that a larger grain of calcium stays in their tract longer and provides for better use in the egg shell production. Shrug. Dunno. Some googling and reading is out there if you have a genuine interest, I suppose.

In feeding quality feed and providing calcium rich greens and the occasional dairy product, along with re-cycling eggs shells, many people never supply oyster shells. If the egg shells are found to be hard and of good quality, obviously it's working for them.

 

[mg15]

Good question. I've never seen any specific studies comparing the two. I do know that the shells on the eggs my birds lay are mostly good quality (tested both in the eating eggs, when cracking them they are hard, and incubating, where I haven't had any issues with porous eggs). Bottom line for me is that if they will eat the eggshell and won't eat the oyster shell, then the egg shell is definitely better and more potent

Yes, I like the deductive conclusion.
I will start doing as suggested and see what happens.
I do know that one of the girls found an egg shell in the yard and gobbled it up like it was steak.
and I have been supplying oyster shell gravel.
Thanks.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

well all this is good
but if the chickens lack calcium then you need to supply oyster shell as a added supply of calcium

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Eggshells are a poor source of calcium for hens as opposed to oyster shell. The bits of eggshell are too small, fragile, and tiny to remain long enough in a chickens' gizzard to be reabsorbed back into your hens' bodies. Feed eggshells if you must but still provide oyster shell free choice.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

I totally agree that one should use oyster shell