Oyster Shells!

[MichelleKing]

I was replying to a post and I realized I wanted to post about Oyster Shells. I LOVE THEM. Not for me, for my quail and chickens. I wanted to give a shout out to Garden Naturals - they now have me a regular customer and I've contacted the seller. They now crush them up to the appropriate size for my quail and seramas and silkies. They're oyster shells have produced amazing shells. I had some new laying quail that were dropping soft shells so I upped their oyster shell intake and BOOM. Gorgeous hard eggs.

Why oyster shells? Calcium! It allows the egg shell to form in a hard case.

Thats all, this was a short one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJ3THOU/?tag=backy-20

 

[Melky]

Way too expensive and I find that TSC Manna Pro oyster shell does great. My hens have great shells.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/manna-pro-oyster-shell-50-lb?cm_vc=-10005

You are paying 2.90/lb. and I pay .20/lb. for the same results. You can crush it yourself if think it is not small enough.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Totally agree with @Melky on that one. I have a rooster and bantams in in my flock, with standard sized, so we go with all flock and the TSC OS on the side. I've never had a problem with shells.

 

[LJoWilly]

I bought the 5lb bag for $16 and offer it separately. My girls love them too, and although these oyster shells are expensive, this bag has lasted a long time.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Buying oyster shell in 50# bags will save even more money and depending on how many hens one has, could last a year or more.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

There is no need for oyster shells, layer feed is enough!!! But if you like to waste money away then I'm in need of a new pair of shoes. Thank you very much.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There is no need for oyster shells, layer feed is enough!!! But if you like to waste money away then I'm in need of a new pair of shoes. Thank you very much.

It is $10 for a 50# bag. What kind of shoes can you get for a bag of OS that can last a year or two?
Layer feed is a good thing if all one's birds are actively laying. Inappropriate if there are non-laying birds in the flock.
At 4% calcium, if you have birds that lay about 4 or 5 eggs a week, layer feed will fit the bill. If your birds lay more frequently, they'll need more calcium. That's where large particle oyster shell comes into play.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

It is $10 for a 50# bag. What kind of shoes can you get for a bag of OS that can last a year or two?
Layer feed is a good thing if all one's birds are actively laying. Inappropriate if there are non-laying birds in the flock.
At 4% calcium, if you have birds that lay about 4 or 5 eggs a week, layer feed will fit the bill. If your birds lay more frequently, they'll need more calcium. That's where large particle oyster shell comes into play.

I think it's a myth that Roosters just tip over dead with excessive calcium intake. I don't see any humans dropping dead from drinking milk every day! Strong bones is a good thing.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

I agree that the price seems exorbitant. I think I paid $10-$15 for a 50lb bag and that lasts me a good while.

No judgement, do whatever works for you. But you might be able to save some money there

ETA: I also feed back crushed egg shells.

 

[2 many chickens]

There is no need for oyster shells, layer feed is enough!!! But if you like to waste money away then I'm in need of a new pair of shoes. Thank you very much.

Not really.
My button quail need oyster shell for their egg production. Without it they don't lay as well and sometimes the eggs are thin and brittle. Oyster shell keeps the eggs nice and firm, no weak shells, no problems. They need the extra calcium. Maybe it's different for chickens.