Oyster Shell?

[emsevers]

I was just wondering if anyone know if there is a process that happens with oyster shell before it gets to the store of if they just take oyster shells straight from shucking and smash them up. I was down at the coast recently and saw humongous mountains of oyster shell and I was wondering if I could ask them for some or if they would sell me some for cheap. My only concern is if they treat them in some way before they give them to the chickens.

 

[NYREDS]

AS far as I know they're just crushed but I assume they're sterilized in some way first to avoid the delightful odor of low tide.

 

[Snakeoil]

Down South the shells are used for roadways instead of gravel, and yes they are crushed and treated. If your feed contains calcium, as most do, you don't need to feed oyster shells.

 

[CovenantCreek]

Even with the added calcium of layer feed, it's still recommended to provide a calcium supplement free choice. The feed may not contain enough to meet the needs of every pullet/hen, and they require a higher amount as they get older. Hens can actually get osteoporosis if they aren't able to get enough calcium to keep up with the demand placed on them by putting shells on eggs every day.

 

[Wifezilla]

I don't see any reason that wouldn't work. Just rinse them well and let them dry out then crush. Pretty much the same thing those of us who offer our birds egg shells do.

 

[emsevers]

I think I might make a trip down to the coast next weekend and see if I can get some. I've noticed that the shells on my eggs are getting a little weaker than they once were. I know that can come with age but I want to help them along as best I can