Oyster shell even in sand litter coop?

[Steph on the Farm]

wonder if the blogger's name is Becky?

If this is the Becky you’re referring to (and I’d bet my rear end it is), then no, thank goodness. It’s not her!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

If this is the Becky you’re referring to (and I’d bet my rear end it is), then no, thank goodness. It’s not her!

That’s the one
She is a certified numbskull.

 

[aart]

It’s not her!

Who was it then?
I'd think you would have saved the link if you are following her recipe and advice?

 

[Steph on the Farm]

Who was it then?
I'd think you would have saved the link if you are following her recipe and advice?

I do have the link saved on my computer but I’m hardly ever on it. Months ago when I decided on that mix (probably last summer at least), I wrote down the ratios for a batch so I could take it to the feed mill to inquire. So at this point, I know more about what’s in it than the name of the blog. I’m leaving for vacation in the morning but I’ll try to remember to look it up for you when I get back, if you’re really that curious.

 

[aart]

I am insatiably curious...always have been

 

[Larry Rose]

Hey there, I did some searches but couldn't quite find any exact answer that I'm looking for.

I plan to have sand for litter both in the coop and run, which obviously should eliminate the need for buying separate grit. My issue, however, is with the absence of calcium. I will be making a blend of whole seed and grain feed for my layers that would typically contain oyster shell for grit. I guess it's not a problem if they end up mostly using the shell for their grit, rather than so much of the granite in the sand if I do still include it with their feed. But I'm wondering if anyone out there in BYC who uses SAND in their space still supplements with oyster for the calcium benefit?? Or would I be okay without it and see what happens? Is there something else that is a good calcium supplement, since I'll have to find some selenium-rich something also?

Or am I just overthinking...which is entirely possible...

Thanks!

I use an inch or two of "Mason Sand" in my coop, with a fine layer of Pine Shavings on top. I also use some Finely ground Oyster shell and put a (Half teaspoon) in the feeder between cups of feed, every time I fill it. I am getting 8 eggs a day from 10 Hens, and the Shells are very hard. I have a total of 12 chickens, and they all are very healthy and the eggs are the finest quality. I have 4 R.I. Red hens, and 6 Swedish Flower Chicken (Hens), with 2 Swedish Roosters. I will once again be putting eggs in the incubator. But, I am afraid that the Swedish Chicks may not be able to "Pip" out of the shells because the shells are that hard! Once in awhile I have a Hen that lays an egg off the top roost, about 4 1/2 ft high, and the egg doesn't break when it hits the floor. So if soft shells are your problem do what I do and it should be fine. And yes, many of us use sand in their coops. I like it and it's easy to keep clean. Absorbs spilled water nicely. I recommend sand in a coop. Two years now with positive results doing what I'm doing. My chickens run is 1/4 acre, and sometimes I let then free range in the entire barn yard. They love Grass which is good for them too. My eggs are all large to X-tra large, hard shelled and very flavorful. Reds are two, Swedes are only a year old. I throw a handful of "Scratch feed" for then morning and night. This way they all come running to the coop when I go inside,. they act like "Scratch" is candy and love it. Other than that I feed 15% laying crumbles. And treats from the dinner table when we have something they can have as well. All are doing great. I hope this helps everyone reading.

 

[Larry Rose]

Thank you. Our quarries here offer some that is a "construction: texture that contains a variety of sizes and includes granite and whatnot, not just sand. I spent the entire day yesterday looking into which sand would be best for us and my babes. I know a lot of people use play sand but I'm not going to for various reasons.

I started using "Mason sand" that was left over from a construction project I had. Since then, I have had another ton of (Bulk not bagged) Mason sand delivered and it is great stuff. It keeps the coop looking good and easy to clean with a rake, absorbs spilled water. My birds are a picture of good health. I supplement feed with a small amount of Crushed Calcium from Tractor Supply. This method works very well for me, so I will continue to do it this way. I also use a half water, half Apple Cider Vinegar as a cleaning spray to disinfect the coop at least once a week. My Coop also has an exhaust fan that runs all summer. In winter they have heat as needed from a ceiling mounted heat lamp on a timer. This year it will get a Thermostat in stalled eliminating the timer. My birds live a pretty good life, and that makes me happy too!

 

[chickens really]

Hey there, I did some searches but couldn't quite find any exact answer that I'm looking for.

I plan to have sand for litter both in the coop and run, which obviously should eliminate the need for buying separate grit. My issue, however, is with the absence of calcium. I will be making a blend of whole seed and grain feed for my layers that would typically contain oyster shell for grit. I guess it's not a problem if they end up mostly using the shell for their grit, rather than so much of the granite in the sand if I do still include it with their feed. But I'm wondering if anyone out there in BYC who uses SAND in their space still supplements with oyster for the calcium benefit?? Or would I be okay without it and see what happens? Is there something else that is a good calcium supplement, since I'll have to find some selenium-rich something also?

Or am I just overthinking...which is entirely possible...

Thanks!

Yes...Sand doesn't contain the calcium..Oyster shell is a different thing. Sand and course Grit for gizzards and oyster shell for layers as a calcium supplement.

 

[Judy Todd]

Hey there, I did some searches but couldn't quite find any exact answer that I'm looking for.

I plan to have sand for litter both in the coop and run, which obviously should eliminate the need for buying separate grit. My issue, however, is with the absence of calcium. I will be making a blend of whole seed and grain feed for my layers that would typically contain oyster shell for grit. I guess it's not a problem if they end up mostly using the shell for their grit, rather than so much of the granite in the sand if I do still include it with their feed. But I'm wondering if anyone out there in BYC who uses SAND in their space still supplements with oyster for the calcium benefit?? Or would I be okay without it and see what happens? Is there something else that is a good calcium supplement, since I'll have to find some selenium-rich something also?

Or am I just overthinking...which is entirely possible...

Thanks!

 

[pjintexas]

Hey there, I did some searches but couldn't quite find any exact answer that I'm looking for.

I plan to have sand for litter both in the coop and run, which obviously should eliminate the need for buying separate grit. My issue, however, is with the absence of calcium. I will be making a blend of whole seed and grain feed for my layers that would typically contain oyster shell for grit. I guess it's not a problem if they end up mostly using the shell for their grit, rather than so much of the granite in the sand if I do still include it with their feed. But I'm wondering if anyone out there in BYC who uses SAND in their space still supplements with oyster for the calcium benefit?? Or would I be okay without it and see what happens? Is there something else that is a good calcium supplement, since I'll have to find some selenium-rich something also?

Or am I just overthinking...which is entirely possible...

Thanks!

I live in Abilene, TX, and am not a pro at farming...I turn up soil (I use about 2 acres) for
my chickens to scratch around in for their minerals, keep a spot in their coop where I put some oyster shells to pick through and in a sunny dry area of the coop, I put a spot where they can bath by tossing Diatomaceous Food-Grade Earth all over their body to rid themselves of mites..etc and I use leftover Caliche gravel from the county work crews piled up for them as well. (they are usually glad to give you a 5 gallon bucket or so). I try to give them several choices and they are quite happy here.