Oyster Shell? Or, is it Not Needed due to the Feed?

[Brian]

I was reading the brochure for the laying ration, and it says that it includes the oyster shell. Looks like I won't have to add it then. Agree?

 

[MissPrissy]

At times the layer feed calcium is just not enough for the hens to lay with a good hard shell. Especially during times of physical stress like cold winters and really hot summers. I keep oyster shell out in the hen house at all times. If they need it they eat it. If they don't they ignor it. It is the same way that sometimes your body craves certain things because you have a mineral deficiency. They know what they need and will peck and eat feathers if they don't get it. Poorly shelled eggs are a sign they are really missing something in the diet.

 

[equinity]

My debeaked chickens refuse to eat shell grit (refer to my long winded post in the Egg Laying and Chicken Behaviours section) but their shells are very thin...the only way they will eat a bit of it is if it is all mixed up in a mash of veggies and bread etc but even then thye still try and avoid it! Is there anything else they may be deficient in, or is there another way to give them calcium?

Thanks

 

[MissPrissy]

You may need to get something more pulverized. De-beaked birds can not eat the same as their non-mangled brethern. You could try crushing the shells more and using the more dust like bits to mix with yogurt to get it in them.

 

[pattycake]

I use a layer ration and my chickens still eat about a half cup of oyster shell a day.

Nevertheless, my shells have been noticeably thinner recently. I think it's because they haven't been out freeranging because of the snowcover.

Or maybe the new cheaper oyster shell I switched to is no good!

 

[SeaChick]

My hens have been eating far more oyster shell since it got very cold. In the fall they hardly touched it. I refill a tuna can about once a week (for 6 chickens).

 

[d.k]

Added that when my hen was indoors 3 months from a possum attack. Added 1/8 cup to oh, 2O lb. feed. GETTING GREAT EGGS!! . . . SORRY, MISSED THE TOP! Added ground "CALCIUM CITRATE + D" (WALMART OR WALGREENS). Used a little flaxseed in the coffee grinder to keep down the dust.

 

[patandchickens]

If your chickens ever eat other food (veggies, table scraps, wandering around the yard, etc) then they should definitely have oyster shell (or crushed eggshells) available -- to the extent that layer ration has enough, it's only 'enough' if the layer ration is ALL they're eating.


Pat

 

[Gallus_domesticus]

A powdered calcium supplement designed for reptiles might work, though I haven't tried this personally. This may be more expensive than something designed for humans, though.

 

[LoneCowboy]

I took the calcium dust from the bottom of the bag of oyster shells, and mixed alot up in some oatmeal I made them. They wolfed it down, and shells got better right away.