How to get your hens to eat oyster shells

[NatJ]

As soon as we collect enough shells we're going to try what you suggest.

You don't have to collect a certain number of eggshells before giving them back to the chickens. It is fine to just toss them to the chickens as you have them (optional: squish them a bit so they look less like eggshells.)

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Well, then...... what, pry tell, are they?
I've fed Purina Flock Raiser with Manna Pro Oyster Shell on the side for 9 year now.
Healthy birds producing eggs with good hard shells, for the most part.i

Well, then...... what, pry tell, are they?
I've fed Purina Flock Raiser with Manna Pro Oyster Shell on the side for 9 year now.
Healthy birds producing eggs with good hard shells, for the most part.

aart, i think the mana pro oyster shells are a form of calcium, but maybe processed, and maybe not actual oyster shells. Like I said, i did no further inquiry or research b/c I followed my instincts. The hens wouldnt touch it was my first red flag, and the second was the feeling I got when I looked at the product it just looks so fake. Nothing like real oysters. I almost purchased the scratch and peck brand because of feedback i read as well as it at least appearing to look like real oysters and appearing as flakes like real oysters when crushed. All the crushing I did and not one crushed batched looked anything like Manna pro oyster shells. I can get the shells easily and free so its a no brainer to me. I love to read that you have had success for over 9 years with your flock Aart. I knew I valued your knowledge here on BYC for a reason. Thank you!

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I don't feed layer because I have a mixed flock with males and non-laying juveniles.

I have been wondering how I am going to address this with the different ages Bubble Bunch that we have . Still undecided; but it is ever on my mind as the oldest group is about 17 weeksish now.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

The only one ove found is Vibrant Life at Walmart, for heaven's sake. I drive out there and buy every bag. Luckily, it's cheap.

If you have another brand, I am all ears!

 

[aart]

aart, i think the mana pro oyster shells are a form of calcium, but maybe processed, and maybe not actual oyster shells.

@My Very First 6 Chickens @NatJ replied with some facts, maybe you missed it.

A quote from Manna Pro's own website:
Ingredients: Oyster Shell, Coral Calcium
https://www.mannapro.com/poultry/supplements-care/oyster-shell

So yes, it is a source of calcium that chickens can use. But no, it is not all from the shells of actual oysters.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have been wondering how I am going to address this with the different ages Bubble Bunch that we have . Still undecided; but it is ever on my mind as the oldest group is about 17 weeksish now.

I've been happy with the results of feeding all-flock with oystershell (or calcium grit), on the side.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

@My Very First 6 Chickens @NatJ replied with some facts, maybe you missed it.

Thank you thank you!

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I've been happy with the results of feeding all-flock with oystershell (or calcium grit), on the side.

Hi, question? I saw some "ALL Flock" at TSC. Seems I recall it had ducks on it. Is this the same stuff?

 

[NevadaEmma]

I dont know if I'm doing something wrong but when i crack an egg, i throw it in a bowl where it air dried. Once I have many dried by air, i crush them and fill my dispenser. Is this dangerous? I tried baking them, but they burnt so I havnt since. What do u think? Also, my gals wouldnt touch the pro manna oyster shells. This summer i went to RI and filled a bag of oyster shells and have been crushing them and offering. No issues with egg shells. They do eat the egg shells and oysters so thats a good thing. Good luck!

I do not dry the shells, but sometimes give them a quick rinse of the inside (I always wash off the outside before using for any creature). I have been doing this for years with no problems. I just crush them into fairly small pieces. If the pieces are too large, the hens will peck at them until they are a good size for them. I do crush them well enough so they do not resemble the actual egg.

I think any source of calcium is good for the hens, mine just prefer the oyster flakes. I am guessing that the mana pro pea size calcium is just too large for the hens. I may try crushing them and see if have better results.

 

[NevadaEmma]

By the way, for those who compost, the oyster flakes will compost and add beneficial calcium for your plants as well.