Oyster shell feeding if your soil has a high calcium content.

[RASTACHICKI]

I was wondering if anybody had any input regarding whether you would need to feed your flock oyster shells if you live where the calcium content in your soil is high?

I just got a soil test back from Auburn University and was suprised at how high the calcium levels were in the soil but after thinking about it. Being we live on the Alabama Coast this area was once on the sea floor. When i till my garden you will see sea shells often, even an oyster shell occasionaly.

I was just curious if i just let my flock free range and eat the natural sand/ grit it should contain plenty of calcium that would be needed for good egg shell growth and therefore would not require buying oyster shell to feed them.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

thanks!!

 

[keljonma]

I wouldn't chance it. Oyster shell isn't that expensive. Our flock is over 2 years old and we've just started our 3rd bag of oyster shell.

Everyone told me not to buy grit because we have tons of it on our place and in the soil. Well, we're also on the 3rd bag of grit, so the flock is eating it when they need it.