PULLET EGGS BENEDICT

[tackyrama]

We had eggs benedict tonight and made with our first pullet eggs! The yolks are much yellower, almost a dark orange. As far as taste I couldn't really tell. Maybe a bit fuller flavor. My taste buds are not what they used to be but my wife said definately better.

This brings up the question about oyster shells. My flock is free range and eat everything imaginable. So far I have not fed them oyster shell and the shells were just as thick if not thicker than store bought eggs. I wonder if I will have to feed oyster shell at all? Maybe in the winter when they're inside?

 

[gritsar]

My chickens free-range. I offer them oyster shell free-choice. Calcium is something they're not likely to find alot of in their foraging.

 

[tackyrama]

Thanks gritsar, kind of thought so. Great blog!

 

[eggzettera]

There probably is some calcium in their feed (if you are using "layer" pellets or crumbles). I just throw some into their feed so if they are feeling the need it is there for them - probably not a bad idea to offer as "free" choice, if you notice issues down the road.

 

[tackyrama]

Quote:
I have used nothing but chick grower, cracked corn, table scraps and whatever they forage on their own. They must be getting enough calcium naturally. I do plan on providing oyster shell when the snow flies and they are confined inside

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I have used nothing but chick grower, cracked corn, table scraps and whatever they forage on their own. They must be getting enough calcium naturally. I do plan on providing oyster shell when the snow flies and they are confined inside

tackyrama, since yours are laying now it'd be a good idea to go ahead and switch them over to layer as soon as you run out of the chick grower. The layer feed is geared towards replacing what the hen's body puts into making eggs.

 

[Maryallison77]

My chickens do not free range and I offer them oyster shells in a seperate bowl. I also save their eggs shells, cook them in the microwave on a paper towel for about a minute and them crumble them into small pieces and feed to them. My girls seem to prefer their own shells over the oyster shells. I have been getting very nice hard eggs too!