Is it safe?

[Mybackyardpeepers]

That would be the easiest thing to do. Oyster shell is pretty soft compared to rock.

I have used a hammer they are not quite that soft lol maybe wet they would be.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Only question I had ... was "why not take a hammer to "too big" OS?" ...

The OP was questioning that the size may be detrimental to them eating, and the reason of soft/no shell eggs ... of course it may have nothing to do with the amount of calcium they are getting, they just may have other genetic reproduction issues too!

Thanks for helping me clarify. I have tried using hammer.

 

[pibb]

I think what Adozengirl might be saying is the oyster shells are slow releasing because they stick in the gizzard like grit and slowly get dissolved. Smaller granules like crushed limestone just pass through the gizzard and get absorbed quicker. My hens seem to ignore the crushed granite grit and eat oysters shells as grit instead.

My understanding was if the hen was low on calcium then the calcium would come from the bones and then be replaced when calcium was eaten again. Wouldn't the calcium come from the bones at night then be replenished then next day?

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I think what Adozengirl might be saying is the oyster shells are slow releasing because they stick in the gizzard like grit and slowly get dissolved. Smaller granules like crushed limestone just pass through the gizzard and get absorbed quicker. My hens seem to ignore the crushed granite grit and eat oysters shells as grit instead.

My understanding was if the hen was low on calcium then the calcium would come from the bones and then be replaced when calcium was eaten again. Wouldn't the calcium come from the bones at night then be replenished then next day?

That is a great question!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Thanks for helping me clarify. I have tried using hammer.

What type of surface do you have the shells on when you try to crush them with a hammer? I placed them on concrete, and just tapping with a hammer broke them apart. If I actually hammered them it would turn them to dust.

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I have used a hammer they are not quite that soft lol maybe wet they would be.

I picked mine off the ground to test, so maybe they had absorbed moisture.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

What type of surface do you have the shells on when you try to crush them with a hammer? I placed them on concrete, and just tapping with a hammer broke them apart. If I actually hammered them it would turn them to dust.

Was on my back porch (cement), maybe I'm hammering to much lol. Have to do a lot in order to fill the feeder I use.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I picked mine off the ground to test, so maybe they had absorbed moisture.

Yes they will if damp.

 

[WallyBirdie]

The limestone is safe for your birds. I put it down now and then, and it's never been an issue.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

The limestone is safe for your birds. I put it down now and then, and it's never been an issue.

Thank you!