Must whole oyster shells be crushed?

[MammaHen]

I get my oyster shells whole from the oyster company in town. Must I set to the oyster shells with a 4 pound hammer or leave as is and let them peck at them?

 

[patandchickens]

They can't very well eat them whole

and are not going to have much success picking them apart. Even seagulls *drop* shells to break them

Whack 'em to bits with a sledge; if you fold them up in some fabric or put them in an old pillowcase before whacking them, you will not lose the pieces

Have fun,

Pat

 

[melissastraka]

thats what i do! old pillow cases work the best....dont even try plastic bags...that was a mess!

 

[Portia]

We throw little neck clam shells into our dry wash, the chickens pick them up and carry them all over. Over time they break down, and they never seem to tire of pecking at them. If you are planning on them as a source of calcium, however, I'd crush them up.

 

[agirly4chicks]

Perfect

We just had friends over this past weekend and had 17 dozen oysters. I know what I will be sewing this weekend...a big pillow case.

 

[MammaHen]

Thanks guys.. ok so maybe Im a little dim - thought they could peck away at the flaky bits..

Thanks all xx

 

[zelica]

Oh yay thanks for asking this one and all the answeres posted its time to make a beach run for oyster shells.