How to increase calcium besides oyster shells?

[Bear4boo]

We have had two egg bound hens in the last few months and I’ve noticed some of the egg shells seem to be thinner/weaker. We use Kalmbach Layer feed which has 3.5% calcium and we offer oyster shells at all time, but I rarely see them eat it. What else can we do to increase their calcium? I asked about adding liquid calcium to their water and it seems that might not be the best idea. Any other suggestions?

 

[Saveria]

When I see weak shells I will give those girls calcium citrate with D3 pills for a couple weeks to help get them back up. You also can try feeding back eggshells, but if they are thin they may not have enough calcium. I also switched to flaked oyster shell and mine seem to eat that more readily.

 

[jpalmatier83]

I additionally re-feed egg shells and oyster shell by tossing in the yard. Sometimes they ignore the dish of oyster, but get after it when I toss them a handful.

 

[EddieSalita]

When I see weak shells I will give those girls calcium citrate with D3 pills for a couple weeks to help get them back up. You also can try feeding back eggshells, but if they are thin they may not have enough calcium. I also switched to flaked oyster shell and mine seem to eat that more readily.

How do you administer this?

 

[Saveria]

How do you administer this?

I got pills from the pharmacy. I would just tuck one of the tablets as far back in their throat as I could without forcing it and waited for them to swallow. I did that each morning for 3 weeks, but what people suggest for dosage may be different than what I did.

 

[The cheek coop]

We feed our girls egg shells. Bake them in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes and crush them up. We mix it with there feed. Seams to work fine.

 

[jpalmatier83]

We feed our girls egg shells. Bake them in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes and crush them up. We mix it with there feed. Seams to work fine.

I’ve never baked them. Rinse them out and let air dry on the counter for a couple days. They crush up just fine.

Any particular reason to bake?

 

[The cheek coop]

It

I’ve never baked them. Rinse them out and let air dry on the counter for a couple days. They crush up just fine.

Any particular reason to bake?

kills off bacteria. It isn’t necessary but it’s just an extra step we take.

 

[Tahai]

As some extra boosters,,Greens are also high in calcium. Dandelion, kale, collard, broccoli, and turnip greens are some of the best and easiest to grow. Avoid spinach and beet greens, as they bind calcium, making it pass through rather than be used.

 

[mossyoakpro]

When I see weak shells I will give those girls calcium citrate with D3 pills for a couple weeks to help get them back up. You also can try feeding back eggshells, but if they are thin they may not have enough calcium. I also switched to flaked oyster shell and mine seem to eat that more readily.

Where'd you find the flaked oyster? Only place I see it is on Amazon....