oyster shell supplement, how to feed

[Timbercrete]

Greeting,

I have one of the hens that just started laying and is laying soft eggs. I going to start supplementing there layer feed with oyster shell. What I am wondering how many mix the oyster shell with the feed and how many feed it separately? Is one way better than others to provide the supplement?

Thank you,
Will

 

[Luvin Life]

I personally put it in a little bowl and let them peck at it, I have also just mixed it in w/feed. Either way works well.

 

[GrannySue]

My girls watch me as I hammer up oyster shell that I collect on the shore. As soon as I leave they help themselves. I leave it out for them as free choice. (I just wish my retirees and my drake would stop pigging out on the stuff - I want my 5 layers to get enough!)

 

[vnploveschickens]

I also do free-choice. I put it in a separate bowl for them and my girls just peck at it when them need it.

I also crush up their egg shells and mix with the oyster shells.

Good luck!

Val

 

[Tweeza]

I put oyster shells out for my pullets and they ignored it. I put it with their crushed up egg shells and they eat around it. I guess I won't have purchase any more oyster shells as this bag will last forever.

 

[Equus5O]

Where do you keep the dish? In the run, or in the coop? If you keep it in the run, I suppose you bring it in when it rains, right?

 

[vnploveschickens]

I keep the dish in the run, except when it rains. Then it goes in the coop.

 

[NotTheMomma]

A pan in the run. They peck at it sometimes. When it rains, and the pan is full of water, they gulp it down. SO I guess they're getting their calcium.

 

[txchickie]

I use the bottom of one of those mason jar feeders, just a lid on the top of it.

Mine is under the steps of our back porch (ours free range). The hens LOVE it when it gets rain in it

It's the only time I ever see them eating any.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Does anyone have luck feeding ground up eggshells? And if so, how fine do they have to be? Would jagged pea-sized pieces hurt them?