Size of oyster shell pieces seems large?

[coalcreekchick]

Thanks, this was helpful. The shell I got was about this size from food quality oysters. Do you heat it in oven?

 

[evemfoster]

Thanks, this was helpful. The shell I got was about this size from food quality oysters. Do you heat it in oven?

No don't heat the shells. The chickens should get them as they come out of the bag.

The chickens will pick through the shells and take what they want. I have only had a few pieces over the years that were too big. I gave them a crack with a hammer and they got ate.

 

[Eggcessive]

Save your egg shells. They become brittle crush up very small if they are heated in a 200 degree F oven for only 10 minutes. I do a batch every couple of days and keep them in a baggie crushed. The chickens love them for snacks. I also use crushed oyster shell, and there is always some left, but never any egg shells.

 

[canesisters]

I watched a hen choke down an entire piece of bread one day. Have seen them eat things I would swear they'd choke on and then run to snatch something from someone else.
If it's smaller than their head, they'll be fine. LOL

 

[Ridgerunner]

I found a plum pit in the gizzard of one I butchered. They can handle a whole lot more than most people can imagine. That oyster shell looks fine.

Chickens can get calcium from a lot of sources, some plants they eat, some creepy crawlies they enjoy eating so much, and even gravel they use for grit if you live in limestone country. If your egg shells are hard you are doing it right. They are getting the calcium they need.