I need Suggestions for Alternatives to Oytser Shell Please

[A.T. Hagan]

Can she get access to local coral? If so she can crush that up into bite sized bits.

In fact any kind of salt or fresh water shells will work. Dried and crushed.

.....Alan.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Clearly, she can't do this in a free choice cup, but if she's feeling ambitious, crickets are a great source of calcium also.

 

[Headcock]

If her local feed stores can't special order it,
have look at pet stores, parrots and other pet birds get oyster shells.
Also you can mail it to her in a flat rate envelope, since its very heavy.

 

[HEChicken]

Quote:
I'm pretty sure flat rate is only for domestic postage.

 

[Headcock]

Quote:
I'm pretty sure flat rate is only for domestic postage.

Nope, theres flat rate global priority mail and express mail international.

 

[A1 Steak Sauce]

Egg shells and sardines are most common around here.

 

[greathorse]

It seems like commercial growers there would have some ideas. I would think there would be some animal nutrition source to give you some ideas about what would be a good subsititute that is available locally.

 

[tellynpeep]

I don't supplement my girls with calcium and have had no problems. The layer feed should be complete, with the correct calcium concentration already in it.

 

[RM44]

When my last batch of hens was laying age, I only fed them Purina Layena food with no calcium supplements. My girls' shells were hard as rocks with no calcium supplements. I intend to use that same feed for this new batch of girls and don't plan on using calcium supplement at all.

 

[phoenixmama]

How hard is the water there? Here in the low Sonoran desert, our water is extremely hard. I've never supplied oyster shell or any other calcium type supplement, they forage mostly...and their eggs are rock hard. I've heard others tell me that it's because of the amount of calcium in the water (which is what makes water hard). If she's in the same boat...her birds might not need any extra help.