oyster shell

[bushdad]

my chickens haven't started laying yet, what do you use oyster shells for and how is fed to them.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Oyster shell is used to provide calcium layers need to form (hard) eggshells. A lack of it can result in soft shells and may cause or contribute to laying problems. Layer feed is specifically formulated to meet layers' calcium needs.

I don't feed layer feed to my hens, so I put out free choice oyster shell and grit in separate pans and they eat it as they need it.

 

[5acresandadream]

I feed my chickens crushed egg shells in a separate dish. Saves money and works just as good.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Oyster shell is used to provide calcium layers need to form (hard) eggshells.  A lack of it can result in soft shells and may cause or contribute to laying problems. Layer feed is specifically formulated to meet layers' calcium needs.

I don't feed layer feed to my hens, so I put out free choice oyster shell and grit in separate pans and they eat it as they need it. 

True but even with layer feed they really should have free choice oyster shell for more calcium. Mine have both and use both.

 

[MinnesotaNice]

I always give my flock free choice oyster shells. They free range and also get layer feed. If you scramble up eggs for your birds, cook them with the shells. Keep the shells when you use eggs as well. Like mentioned, saves some money and is good for them.

How old are your hens and what breed?

 

[ShrekDawg]

I guess if you have a lot of birds it would add up but I only have 8 birds and just fill a dish and leave it out free choice, even if I feed the shells, and they take forever to finish a bowl, not sure they have yet, so for me, it doesn't really save any money since the dish stays out and full all the time anyway. And at least around here the bags aren't that expensive and last forever so I would buy it. But if you were going through a lot of it I could see how it would save some moneu

 

[MinnesotaNice]

I personally buy oyster shells as well. I maybe go through one bag a year with a few dozen hens.

 

[chickens really]

Oyster shell is needed once Chickens start laying or the will be lacking in calcium and draw it out of their own bones to produce eggs....Free choice in a separate bowl....


Cheers!

 

[JandS Flock]

I am mixing my layer feed with some oyster shells. However, my hens have not started laying yet. wonder if I should stop feeding until they start laying?

 

[chickens really]

Yes, stop that practise........Once laying it should only be provided in a separate bowl....Grit in another bowl......
Only layers need the extra Calcium.....


Cheers!