Oyster shell question

[fizzy]

Years ago, oyster shell came as "flakes". We gave it to the hens free choice and never had thin-shelled eggs. Now I can only find oyster shell in pellet form, and the hens don't seem to eat it as much, and we get some thin-shelled eggs. Where do y'all get the "old fashioned" oyster shell??? I've tried all 3 of our feed stores & co-op. Thanks! Wendy

 

[sundance]

with all the rocks we have here in middle tenn I thought that they would get enough just free ranging, but I still have thin shells eggs, and I still give them all the egg shells i use crushed up. so I really would like to know to . marrie

 

[fizzy]

Marrie, where in middle-TN are you? I'm in Christiana between Murfreesboro and Shelbyille. You aren't kidding about all our rock!

I can't free-range my birds due to all the predators we have, so I have to supplement as much as possible.

Wonder if I should have posted this topic under "feed & watering"
oh well...

Wendy

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Hi Marrie!
Just wanted to let you know....even though your chickens have access to plenty of rocks to use for grit, that's not the same thing as oyster shell for the calcium. Chickens need both the rocks/grit to digest their food and the oyster shell which is digested and replaces what they lose in making eggs.
All the farm type stores around here have it. If you can find it at the farmer's co-op, tractor supply co., etc. you could order it online from some of the BYC sponsors.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Plain old rocks won't add calcium like oyster shell does. We buy crushed oyser shell at Tractor Supply.

 

[FlightsofFancy]

I raise finches so I have this on hand, but you can pick it up online. I use a liquid calcium suppliment when I have a thin egg situation (I have only experinced it 1x). It gets into their system faster and you just put it in thier water or directly in their mouth.
You can find it at pigeon supply or finch supply stores.
Good luck!