Oyster Shell...mixed in with food or container?

A plastic container screwed into the coop wall. I keep it 1/2 full and when it gets dirty and needs to be cleaned out I just unscrew it to wash it. I have another container next to it for chicken grit.

 

I just pour it out on the ground.

I'm almost ashamed to admit that....

 

I mix both grit and shell into their food. I'll also sprinkle grit on the ground. They seem to get to it when they need it. I had the same problem of upturned bowls when I'd put them separate.

 

I screwed a can to the wall, it was a large sized tunafish can. it's large enough to hold quite a bit, small enough that they aren't interested in trying to climb onto it to perch.

I'm thinking I'll make a PVC feeder for shell, and a matching one for grit... I've seen some interesting ones here, also someone here uses an old porch type mail-box that seems very good. I think IN THIS POST would suit for grit and oyster shell, I think two like it may be on my to-do list but untill I get to it, my tin can seems to be working ok.

 

I have it in a hanging feeder. They will peck at it every once in a while.

 

I mix oyster shell with their food. Throw a handful in once or twice a week. I also put some on the tree stump that is in the middle of the pen. It really works.

 

I also wash, toast then crush my eggs shells. I mix that in food.

 

I do the same - mix it and grit in with their food. Last time I tried to put a bowl out for them they ended up dustbathing in it.

 

I collect oystershell on the beach, take it home and hammer it into small pieces. I hammer on a large brick and the girls know that's where the shell is if/when they want it.