Oyster shells or layer feed

[MySweetChickens]

Ok i know this is a stupid question but whenever i get a bag of oyster shells i end up going through the bag in about three days because when i put it out there immediately they attack the bowl and oysters can get expensive there are 38 chickens and they all want some. So should i try mixing layer feed in their normal food instead or do both because this is getting ridiculous.


Any answers are greatly appreciated

 

[Cindy in PA]

What size bag are you getting? If you are buying like 5 lbs. it will be expensive. I've seen 5 lbs for $5-10, when you can get 50 lbs for under $10. I go thru a 50 lb. bag in a year or so for 12 chickens that eat layer feed most of the time. Some chickens just need more. If it is available all the time, they will probably eat less eventually once their system regulates.

 

[MySweetChickens]

I get the 5 ounce because tractor supply doesn't sell any bigger sizes i wish they would sell i bigger bag

 

[Cacique500]

They sell 50lb bags at Tractor Supply:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/manna-proreg;-oyster-shell-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005

We have a separate feeder for the oyster shell for when they want it...that way it doesn't go to waste in the feed.

 

[centrarchid]

Get in fifty lb bag, shelf life not a problem. Consider placing oyster shell in its own location for chickens to get it. Intake tends to be high briefly if they have not had it for a while. Also make sure they are getting grit. Not enough grit and birds will eat oyster shell in attempt to meet that need.

 

[sepaditty1]

Get in fifty lb bag, shelf life not a problem. Consider placing oyster shell in its own location for chickens to get it. Intake tends to be high briefly if they have not had it for a while. Also make sure they are getting grit. Not enough grit and birds will eat oyster shell in attempt to meet that need.

I think that's what mine were doing. I saw my 8 week old chicks gobbling it down. Never thought to add more grit. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[MySweetChickens]

Thank you for all the help i am going to go to tractor supply today and ask if they have a bigger bag i just might not be seeing it

i will have to set up a different feeder too for oyster shells because they have a bowl right now and they might be spilling it too

 

[Cacique500]

If it helps, I used my chick feeder, the little quart jar with the red bottom for the oyster shell. It's working great and I've seen the hens using it. With the 5 girls I think I've filled it twice in the past 6 months since they started laying.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/harris-farms-baby-chick-feeder-for-quart-jar-210633199--1 - and then I used the plastic quart jar that they sell as well.

 

[MySweetChickens]

I will have too try that thank you !

 

[donrae]

You'll probably have to ask for the larger bag at check out and have it loaded--my Grange doesn't have it on the shelf in the store. They keep lots of things in that warehouse you'll never know about if you don't ask---large bags of oyster shell, grit, and shavings are the biggies for me.