Oyster Shells?

[AChickenLoverProduction]

This may sound like a newb question but! What is the best way to get my hens to eat the OS? Do I mix it with their laying pellets, dump it on the ground, or a seperate bowl? Their shells are getting very fragile, and squeezing just alittle hard they break. So Thanks for any info, and tips!

 

[farmerinKC]

I just started giving mine oyster shell and I'm new at this too-but I just put it in their little chick feeder and set it by their food.

 

[Nicole01]

I put mine in a separate bowl. My chickens really like oyster shell. Every time I put the oyster shell in my hand, they eat it up like it's a treat. The oyster shell is working well, I'm getting strong eggs. I feed unmedicated starter due to the ages in the flock.

 

[Honeysucklefeathers]

I put mine in a separate container and they eat freewill.

 

[Honeysucklefeathers]

I put mine in a separate container and they eat freewill.

 

[Honeysucklefeathers]

No idea why that posted twice

 

[chickens_in_the_ghetto]

I pour it into a metal dog dish and keep it next to the feeder. The birds seem to know what it's for. You could try mixing it with feed, in the ratios on the bag, if you feel your birds aren't eating enough of it.

 

[MommyMagpie]

We had ours in a separate bowl but I've gone back to mixing it in with their feed in an attempt to get more of it into our elderly hen who lays shell-less eggs more often than not. I just sprinlkle a soup spoon full in the feeder once a week or so.

 

[AChickenLoverProduction]

Thanks everyone! For now the shells are in a seperate container; if I don't think they are eating any, I will put some in with their food. Thanks again!

 

[curtsey13]

I'm having a similar problem. I have gotten two soft and broken shells.

I mix OS into their food and give it to them in a bowl. I'm not quite sure what is going on. We had a very bad summer and lost 13 hens (heat, hawks, & goats)

Only 3 of my older ladies are still with us and 12 young pullets. They are 4 months old, could soft shells be due to the fact that they are young? I've found the eggs under the roost, not in the nesting boxes, so I'm pretty sure it is a young lady.