oyster shells

[houseofclucks]

Hi all just a quick question here-

My five hens go through a five pound bag of oyster shells pretty fast. Are there other forms of calcium I can feed the birds? Can you buy the oyster shells in bulk sizes other than 5lb. bags?, so I can save some money.

 

[TreyClark281]

the beach! lol idk if you can..
umm ive only seen 5lbs. bags.
online?

!!::update::!!
http://www.eggcartons.com/item668.htm
here is some.

 

[justusnak]

You can give your hens the egg shells back after you use the eggs. Just smash them up pretty well. Also, of you have a TSC...farm implement supply center near you...you should be able to get crushed oyster shell in 50 pound bags. I did. Seems to be lasting me forever! I have had mine just about a year now, with 11 hens. Of course, there are 23 MORE this year, so I guess I better go buy another 50 pounds! LOL

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

I bought a big bag of calcium bicarbonate..(I think thats what is on the bag) at the feed store.. it works fine..

 

[SandraChick]

that's way more than they should need.

**Rats and mice also love oyster shells...so check to make sure you're not being robbed!

**Are you sure they're not just spilling it everywhere and working into your bedding? Chickens ARE messy that way!

**Giving eggshells back is a great way to add calcium to your chickens' diet, but remember to keep giving them oystershell as well, as you need 3-5 eggshells to make one new eggshell.

Sandra

 

[Whirlwind]

When you say pretty fast how fast do you mean.

I bought 10lbs in Oct and still have 1/2 bag. I had 3 hens untill Feb and got 4 more then. Seems like it maybe going somewhere else. I give mine free choice and they just eat a little at a time and still spill some on the floor of coop.