Swapping oyster shell for eggshells?

[Dawnclucks22]

Hey, all! I've heard of people giving their chickens eggshells for a calcium boost, but I'm switching my feed over to one that doesn't have oyster shell mixed in. Therefore, of course, I need to give it to them as a supplement free-choice. But our feed store sells oyster shell in bags that are rather small and it might be a bit costly. Can I use eggshells instead? I have PLENTY of eggs!

 

[igorsMistress]

I feed back shells all the time, but I do keep oyster shell available. It's going to last a VERY long time. Depending on how many chickens you have you might only need a small bag anyway.

 

[chickens really]

Oyster shell lasts awhile...I put it out out once a week in a separate dish...I also keep the egg shells and crush them up and add to the oyster shell....

 

[tigger19687]

Mine eat both but the eggshells are gone lickity split.
I too had bought a $10 bag that was only like 5# at first. I didn't know that TSC had a huge bag for $9
BUT, it is lasting a very long time already

 

[igorsMistress]

My girls always go for the shells first too.

 

[RUNuts]

Farm supply stores will special order any size bag you want. I ordered a 50# bag through mine & will order a big bag of grit also.

 

[Folly's place]

I have bought it by the pound at a local pet store, and now I get the 50# bags at the feed store. It's cheap and lasts for a lifetime! I have a feeder out there full of oyster shell all the time, and don't worry about it. Mary