Sea Shells in the run

[PoloChris]

would sea shells be harmful to my chickens if I placed them in my run? Looking for something to line the run with besides mulch.
Thoughts?

 

[cavemanrich]

I don't see any harm Other than if a chicken got her leg stuck in one. Are you considering larger shells as decoration ??? It would be pleasing to the eye.
You are somewhat new here, so

 

[PoloChris]

Yeah these would be small shells nothing they could get stuck in. I worry more about them pecking and breaking off a piece and swallowing it.

 

[snow5164]

But don't we pay money for oyster shells for them to eat ? Would there be a difference??

 

[cavemanrich]

Yeah these would be small shells nothing they could get stuck in. I worry more about them pecking and breaking off a piece and swallowing it.

Don't have that as a worry. Chickens pick up all sort of grit. They need it. They will not try to swallow something that does not easily pass thru their throat. I have seen chickens struggle to get a whole kernel of corn down the hatch. That is why it is cracked corn that we feed chickens. Corn is food and more enticing than grit. By the way, do your chickens have access to the soil and grit at the base of your run.? Or does the mulch or maybe deep litter cover the exposed ground. If so, then offer them grit free choice in a separate dish. Crushed Oyster shells will do that , as well as provide additional calcium if needed. You may opt for a corner area where you have sand, gravel and dust bath access. There is no, one way, that is fit for all. Some things work better for some than others.
WISHING YOU BEST..