Oyster Shell

[cluckcluckgirl]

I recently started giving my hens oyster shell as a choice. They seem to love it, though now I'm noticing more egg abnormalities than ever before. The shells are wrinkly in appearance and hard to crack. I have had my chickens for nearly 5 years and they never appeared to need oyster shell, however a neighbor suggested it and now my relatives believe that my hens absolutely need it. Before I added the oyster shell, I got one abnormal egg (maybe) every month, from my 19 hens. Now, I get a couple every week. Should I discontinue the use?

 

[JetCat]

if you're feeding a layer feed only diet with adequate calcium then you don't need oyster shells.

 

[Triplecross]

How long have you been adding oyster shell?
Your hens are 5 y/o and maybe that is why they're laying abnormal?

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

if you're feeding a layer feed only diet with adequate calcium then you don't need oyster shells.

I feed them a complete layer feed.

How long have you been adding oyster shell?
Your hens are 5 y/o and maybe that is why they're laying abnormal?

I first added the oyster shell about a week ago. The abnormal eggs I've seen are mainly from my 1 1/2 year-old hens who never laid an abnormal egg prior to this.

 

[JetCat]

I feed them a complete layer feed.

if that's their only diet, or the majority of their diet then there's really no need for the oyster shell addition, take it away and see if the problem clears up. i don't really think it's the cause of your problem, but at this point it's not going to cause any harm to remove it.

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

if that's their only diet, or the majority of their diet then there's really no need for the oyster shell addition, take it away and see if the problem clears up. i don't really think it's the cause of your problem, but at this point it's not going to cause any harm to remove it.

I will try that. Thank you.

 

[RonP]

Offering oyster shell, free choice, should not be an issue.

The girls seem to know when they need a bit extra calcium, and having access to it will do them good.