Not impressed with shell strength.

[Vicker]

I feed their own shells back to them.

 

[TraceeP1]

A little over a month ago I switched from a 16% layer feed to 20% starter grower, which is the closest thing I can find to an all flock type feed.

I have noticed a few weak shells. All of my layers are between 11 and 24 months old. They have always had free choice oyster shells, however I do see they have been hitting them harder now that they aren't getting the layer feed.

I switched for a few reasons. I have a rooster. When I switched, two hens were not laying, however they have now started up again. It was crazy cold, as in colder than -40, and I thought the extra protein would benefit them.

Has there been some benefit? Yes. Egg production is up, and the two that weren't laying are back in the game.

Downside is weaker shells and cost. The cost isn't really a big deal. Layer feed marked price is about $1 per bag less. Also, in MN there is no sales tax on layer feed, but there is on gamebird and what would be considered meat bird/chick starter. I sell most of my eggs, so an extra dozen or two in procudion makes up for the feed cost.

For the first time ever, I had an egg break in my pocket. Not pleasant on it's own, but add to that all the sawdust in my pocket from doing firewood, and it was a joy to clean up. I also had a couple crack when I was wiping them down to package up for sale.

Any suggestions other than going back to the layer feed?

I save my egg shells, let them dry out and mash them with my potato masher. Hahahaha then I add them to the food when feeding my chickens!

 

[MissE]

I feed their own shells back to them.

Not sure if you read all the posts, but I do feed their shells back to them. Now I'm mixing them with the OS to encourage those not eating enough OS to eat some more. They act like eggshells are candy.

Right now, I have some that are getting calcium deposits from too much calcium and others with weaker shells, but I have been giving Tums to those with weak shells. Its early, but so far seems to be working. Will get some better supplements later this week when I make a trip to the big (pop 8,000) city.

 

[NanaCarla]

A little over a month ago I switched from a 16% layer feed to 20% starter grower, which is the closest thing I can find to an all flock type feed.

I have noticed a few weak shells. All of my layers are between 11 and 24 months old. They have always had free choice oyster shells, however I do see they have been hitting them harder now that they aren't getting the layer feed.

I switched for a few reasons. I have a rooster. When I switched, two hens were not laying, however they have now started up again. It was crazy cold, as in colder than -40, and I thought the extra protein would benefit them.

Has there been some benefit? Yes. Egg production is up, and the two that weren't laying are back in the game.

Downside is weaker shells and cost. The cost isn't really a big deal. Layer feed marked price is about $1 per bag less. Also, in MN there is no sales tax on layer feed, but there is on gamebird and what would be considered meat bird/chick starter. I sell most of my eggs, so an extra dozen or two in procudion makes up for the feed cost.

For the first time ever, I had an egg break in my pocket. Not pleasant on it's own, but add to that all the sawdust in my pocket from doing firewood, and it was a joy to clean up. I also had a couple crack when I was wiping them down to package up for sale.

Any suggestions other than going back to the layer feed?

I buy oyster powder from Amazon. It comes in a plastic bag, and all I do is sprinkle it on top of the laying pellets. No more weak egg shells for us!

 

[aart]

It comes in a plastic bag, and all I do is sprinkle it on top of the laying pellets. No more weak egg shells for us!

Not a good idea to add excess calcium to layer feed....or any feed.
Offer it in a separate feeder for those that need it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not a good idea to add excess calcium to layer feed....or any feed.
Offer it in a separate feeder for those that need it.

x2, unless you are supplementing a specific bird that needs it. I have one bird that does not want oyster shells so I keep an eye on her eggshells, and when needed I supplement her approximately twice a week with oyster shell powder mixed into a small amount of wet/fermented feed. This way I can ensure she's getting the calcium she needs, but the rest of the flock isn't getting an excess.

 

[phyllmud]

Not a good idea to add excess calcium to layer feed....or any feed.
Offer it in a separate feeder for those that need it.

Why?

 

[MissE]

Why?

Excess calcium can cause kidney issues for roosters and other non laying chickens. This why I don't want to go back to layer feed for everyone.

 

[Vicker]

Not sure if you read all the posts, but I do feed their shells back to them. Now I'm mixing them with the OS to encourage those not eating enough OS to eat some more. They act like eggshells are candy.

Right now, I have some that are getting calcium deposits from too much calcium and others with weaker shells, but I have been giving Tums to those with weak shells. Its early, but so far seems to be working. Will get some better supplements later this week when I make a trip to the big (pop 8,000) city.

Just FYI, I learned that too much of a green with oxalic acid, like spinach or beet greens, can interfere with calcium absorption. Same with people. I had to sprinkle calcium powder on my goose's greens to help his broken wing mend.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have my 9 hens & 7 pullets back on layer feed at 20% protein, now that they are all done molting. The little buggers are still eating up the OS.