oyster shell substitute

[birdface]

My girls are getting ready to start laying and have no desire to eat oyster shells, is there anything to switch out for that? Do they even need it? They free range all day and chomp on some sand here and there.

 

[ninabeast]

I've been saving my egg shells, rinsing them, baking them at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes, then crushing them up very small. My girls go crazy for it.

 

[OwensMom]

I never see my girls eating their oyster shell yet I know that they will. I have a feeder with free choice oyster shell in it and have to refill rarely. The egg shell idea is a good one but it is easier for me to put eggshells in the compost.

 

[JulzRuss]

Good information about the eggshells. I'm going to try the eggshells when my hens start laying.

 

[birdface]

ive lefty a bowl of oyster shell out for them to pick at but they just knock it over and poop on it. i might try the eggshell trick if i remember to not compost them. Is there anything else to giver them

 

[silkiechicken]

I don't see my birds eating the oyster shell... however the oyster shell dish tray needs to be refilled and I've gone through well over a 5 gallon bucket of the stuff over the past decade.... it's not in the bedding, so I assume something ate it.

 

[aggie9296]

Most layer feed has enough calcium for them laying without supplemental caclium source. Can also supplement with yogurt and cottage cheese for extra protein and calcium.

 

[spacecowgirl]

I do eggshells, too, but I just nuke them in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute and then crush them up.

 

[Imp]

What aggie9296 said.

Here's some other sources of calcium:

1. Spinach & Swiss Chard
2. Salmon & Sardines (canned with bones)
3. Mustard, Collard, Kale & Turnip greens
4. Shellfish
5. Blackstrap molasses (can cause runny stools)
6. Corn Tortillas
7. Yogurt
8. Mozzarella & Cheddar cheese
9. Milk, Buttermilk (goat's milk and cow's milk)
10. Basil, thyme, dill seed, cinnamon, and peppermint leaves
11. Romaine lettuce
12. Rhubarb
13. Almonds, Peanuts & Brazil Nuts
14. Black Beans, Dried Beans (Cooked)
15. Sesame seeds
16. Fennel
17. Cabbage, Bok Choy, & Chinese cabbage
18. Summer squash
19. Green beans
20. Garlic
21. Tofu & Soybeans
22. Brussel sprouts & Broccoli
23. Oranges (Some people do not feed citrus to chickens)
24. Asparagus & Okra
25. Crimini mushrooms
26. Foods Fortified with Calcium: Some Orange Juice, Breads, & Cereals

 

[ladyride]

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