Eggshells????

[krjwaj]

We give our pullets egg shells, too. But not their own eggs. Why , you ask?? Because they haven't started laying yet!
We rinse the shells, take out any residual albumin, dry them and crush them up. I think letting them dry in the carton and zapping them in the microwave is a good idea.

We give it free choice in a little cup or sprinkle some on the ledge in their run.

 

[Jashdon]

We usually collect eggs for about a week or two and then put them in the oven on low temp. for a while, then pulverize them. Sometimes I mix it with their feed and other times we mix with chopped up greens. Putting it in the oven seems to make it easier to grind into small peices and it cooks whatever is left in the shell so that they don't get a taste for their own eggs.

 

[shangri-lafarms]

Good idea with the oven, does this replace the rinsing step??? Would make life easier

 

[Jashdon]

well, I don't bother rinsing it. I figure if its cooked then they won't associate it with the raw egg taste.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Can this be a replacement for oystershell??

 

[shangri-lafarms]

I was wondering that too.

 

[rooster-red]

Quote:
Yes, we've been baking or microwaving egg shells to feed our flock for a couple of years now. we still pick up a bag of oyster shell once in a while to suppliment.

 

[needmorechickens!]

I toast mine in the toaster oven - 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes...I never thought of the microwave - much quicker!
I'm gonna try that...

~Rebecca

 

[cmom]

Nuggetsowner :

They will find the grit they need when they free range. Especially if you have a gravel drive or another area like that. I also offer mine grit in a free choice feeder. I do not feed my girls back their eggshells. It is just a preferance. I feed mine oyster shell in a free choice feeder.

I agree. I also give my girls free choice of oyster shells and granite grit. I know they probably get all the grit they need because I do free range them, but I do see them once in awhile taking the granite grit. Where I live it is very fine sand, so maybe they need the grit too. Can't hurt.

 

[chicksinthemachine]

I actually make them breakfast of ground shells and eggs.(I grind the shells with a mortar and pestal, but wash it out immediatley or you almost have a glue like substance. and it does replace the oyster shell and saves you money(always a bonus!)