feeding egg shells

[Mugs]

If you give your hens egg shells how fine do you crush them? I'm hesitant to given them anything less than pretty much ground to a powder but that takes a lot of work. But I worry that bigger pieces will be sharp and not good for them.

 

[samanthajosling]

Try making it almost down to powder and it will be fine

 

[Mugs]

OK that's what I thought. How do you grind them?

 

[galanie]

In the blender. But dont' worry about any sharp edges on egg shells. They won't be hurt by eating 1/4 inch chunks, I've seen mine do that quite often.

 

[samanthajosling]

OK that's what I thought. How do you grind them?

Yeah like the other said the blender.I like to grind them to be extra safe but you can just have small pieces.

 

[debid]

I just toss dry shells in the run and step on them. No need to create another chore and they enjoy breaking up the shells -- it gives them something to do.

 

[aoxa]

:/

I have always just gave them shells crushed with my own hands. Big pieces, small pieces. They don't care. Have been doing this for a year with no issues what-so-ever. They eat many things if left to forage, so I don't worry about it.

I don't dry mine out. They get them as soon as we are finished breakfast/baking/etc. Never, ever had an egg eating issue due to raw eggs. I've cracked many outside (if they were already cracked/dirty) and they eat the eggs raw. Chickens aren't smart enough to see a raw egg and know that the next time they lay one, they could have this awesome treat.

If it is cracked and they start eating it in the nest, that is when you have to worry about egg eating.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I put the dried ones in a gallon zip lock and then mush them with my fingers or give them a once-over with the rolling pin. My girls haven't had any problems. They'll break them with their beak if it's too large a piece.

 

[katescountryfarm]

I toss the shells in and have the kids stomp the egg shells.

 

[Mugs]

Quote:

Sounds good! Keeps both the kids and the hens busy!