oyster shells

[WhySayWhat]

I provide oyster shell, but after the initial "gobble up" of the first pound I bought (50 cents at the local feed store), they rarely touch it anymore. I also feed them back their own shells. I just rinse the shells really well (no slime left) and let them dry for a day or two. Then, I pulverize the shells in my mortar & pestle and combine it with the yogurt they get. They all love it! Once it gets cold, I'll be mixing shells, red pepper flakes, & yogurt into a good helping of oatmeal for the girls in the mornings (3 hens, they get about 1/2 cup and are golden).

As for feeding egg shells back though...I wouldn't suggest "tossing it in the nest boxes"...they might figure out where that "yummy calcium" is coming from!

 

[phicri72]

you might have to mash em good with a hammer! dont' know about the safety aspect though.

 

[phicri72]

I've read that it's good to supplement with oyster or other forms of calcium for 2 reasons. It can act as grit, which they need for digestion anyway. And even if you're feeding back the shells, hens do get robbed of calcium in their legs and other bones while laying. I figure for the price ($10 for 50#, that will last me forever) it's worth the piddly investment.