Question about oyster shell

[thndrdancr]

Ok, I am new to chicken raising and have read bout everything I can.

My girls are just now reaching maturity. I had bought some oyster shell and when I put it out, it seems like its huge chunks that are SHARP!!!! They are not HUGE chunks I guess but they are the size of good size pebbles. But the sharpness is what worries me. Are these ok, and normal, or do I need to take a hammer to it to mash it up? Guess I worry too much, hmmm?

Anyhow, my girls wont eat them (yet?), but the one laying WILL eat the crushed up eggshells I give. So she must need calcium.

TIA
Jill

 

[justusnak]

I was thinking the same thing, when I bought mine, but they do peck at it...if you have an extra amount of egg shells....im sure they would prefer that over the oyster shell....I know mine do. However, I leave a good size pan out there for them just in case they want it.

 

[bigzio]

Yep it is something they kind of grow into. Once your hens become older and are more stressed from laying all the eggs, their body will aquire the need for more calcium and the hens will eat alot more then. They know when they need additional calcium and as long as it is there for them to decide, in time they will consume more.

bigzio

 

[HobbyChickener]

I toss moine out on the ground and allow them to stratch for them which seems to make them ok with it. they act as though they are actually getting something to eat which always makes the little fat buggers happy!

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, they are sharp, but they eat them no problem.