Is Oyster Shell mandatory?

[donnap1967]

I am pretty new to the whole chicken raising experience. Some of my babies have finally started laying so I switched everyone over the Purina Layer crumbles.

Should I be feeding oyster shell as well?

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
just put the oyster shells out somewhere free choice and forget them.. the chickens will regulate what they need.. I usually just find a sheltered/clean spot and rip the bag open .. they will not OD on them..

 

[donnap1967]

Thanks! Wasn't sure if it was an either/or situation or both. I will pick up some oyster shell this week.

 

[namreknat]

I had been feeding layer ration for about 2 weeks when my girls began to lay. I got a few eggs that had thin or soft shells; so I started offering oyster shell free choice and have had no more problems. Its available where you buy feed and not too expensive.

 

[rooster-red]

As another option you can feed them egg shells.

Bake them in the over at 350 for about 15 minutes, let them cool then place in a bag and run a rolling pin over them to crush them up.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
we just hashed this over on another thread..

you do not have to process them in any way.

just feed them to the chickens with your regular table scraps..or alone..whatever is convenient for you..

 

[wendy]

I believe it is all a personal preference. I have book on chickens by sue weaver that raises chickens and many other animals. She says you can do either. I choose the more economical and 'natural' way.

You can do the oyster shell OR when you crack your eggs for cooking take your eggshells and throw them out in the yard. If you do this as soon as you can before anything dries on the eggs, believe me they will jump, run, fly for the eggshells!

No offense to anyone here but you will get different answers, this is a big group of people

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
like I said, we just spent a week hashing this out on another thread.

I do not believe we should instill phobias into people.. especially newbies..

now do not get angry with me, but why did you say to throw the shells to the chickens before anything dries on them?? remember, this is a question, not a challenge..

 

[Wildsky]

If they're getting layer feed, oyster shell probably wouldn't be needed. Do the egg shells now and then for them and save yourself a few bucks.

 

[wendy]

Quote:
like I said, we just spent a week hashing this out on another thread.

I do not believe we should instill phobias into people.. especially newbies..

now do not get angry with me, but why did you say to throw the shells to the chickens before anything dries on them?? remember, this is a question, not a challenge..

because in my experience they eat them up faster instead of walking all over them