oyster shell ?

[ctjim]

just got some oyster shell for my hens as they just started laying. the pieces of shell seem to be on the big side, and i purchased the pullet oyster shell bag. are they supposed to be that way? b4 i gave them to the hens i broke them up smaller, w/ a make shift mortar and pestal. i didn't want the bigger/sharper pieces to injure them.

 

[alex]

im not sure becuase my silkie hasn't started laying but if they where big peaces i would brake them up to...
-alex-

 

[Mac in Wisco]

You'll be suprised at they'll eat. The big pieces are fine. I've had different types from our feedstore. The first time I bought some, they were large pieces like you described and the birds still ate them. The last time I bought some they were more like the consistency of large oatmeal flakes.

 

[panner123]

If they are to big, your hens will find a way to break them. No need to do it for them, it gives them something to play with.

 

[earthnut]

Mine eat whole sunflower seeds in the shell, So I don't think it'd hurt them.

 

[silkiechicken]

I have oyster shell from the 60's and they are about 3x the size of oyster shell at the feed store today... they still eat the ones from the 60's when both are available to them.