Too much calcium

[Mother of Chaos]

OK, OK. Easy does it Wyorp Rock. I've done all that. Google. I'm just how many people on this group contradict each other. Everybody has a different opinion about various subjects. JS LOGGING, BEDDING, FEED, HEALTH ETC..

Perhaps because everybody here has a different opinion about various subjects. There are very few hard and fast only-one-way’s in life.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

OK, OK. Easy does it Wyorp Rock. I've done all that. Google. I'm just how many people on this group contradict each other. Everybody has a different opinion about various subjects. JS LOGGING, BEDDING, FEED, HEALTH ETC..

You're going to find different opinions for sure. That's the makeup of this wonderful BYC Community.

It can be confusing at times, but this is why I suggest you also do your own research but go slow. Keep to the basics, nothing fancy.

The longer you keep chickens, you'll find that you have opinions on various subjects too. Your opinion will come from time and experience, finding what is working for your flock, your climate, your setup.

It's all good, there's a lot to absorb that's for sure. I've been doing this around 10years now, I learn something new all the time!

 

[Clukcluks]

Perhaps because everybody here has a different opinion about various subjects. There are very few hard and fast only-one-way’s in life.

OK. I'll take it all in with a grain of salt. I was taught there is a right way and a wrong way. Opinions are just that I've learned alot from reading from this group but I don't want to do something to hurt my girls on OPINIONS. I'm very new to all of this and I'm taking it seriously day by day. Thanks for your help.

 

[Clukcluks]

You're going to find different opinions for sure. That's the makeup of this wonderful BYC Community.

It can be confusing at times, but this is why I suggest you also do your own research but go slow. Keep to the basics, nothing fancy.

The longer you keep chickens, you'll find that you have opinions on various subjects too. Your opinion will come from time and experience, finding what is working for your flock, your climate, your setup.

It's all good, there's a lot to absorb that's for sure. I've been doing this around 10years now, I learn something new all the time!

Thanks Wyorp Rock. I'm only 2wks into chicken ownership and your words, I hear ya.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

OK. I'll take it all in with a grain of salt. I was taught there is a right way and a wrong way. Opinions are just that I've learned alot from reading from this group but I don't want to do something to hurt my girls on OPINIONS. I'm very new to all of this and I'm taking it seriously day by day. Thanks for your help.

I think that the superpower of chickens is their ability to prove every single thing that humans know about them to be wrong.

Seriously, the other thing behind all this is that there are so many settings and therefore different realities that we all face. I have a flock of three in an urban setting on a tiny city lot. Someone else has half a dozen and a secret rooster in a subdivision with an HOA from Hell. And then someone in the country with a meat flock and a layer flock, protecting them from packs of dogs and coyotes.

So we all come up with different truths that work for us.

The core facts remain: chickens need a balanced chicken feed with adequate protein and other nutrients, ideally supplemented with some foraging, clean water, adequate space to keep things happy (think a 1960’s station wagon filled with two parents and six kids on a cross-country trip and the a/c breaks - you don’t want that), and effective protection against predators and disease. And then pay attention to them, because they will still find a way to surprise you!

 

[Clukcluks]

I think that the superpower of chickens is their ability to prove every single thing that humans know about them to be wrong.

Seriously, the other thing behind all this is that there are so many settings and therefore different realities that we all face. I have a flock of three in an urban setting on a tiny city lot. Someone else has half a dozen and a secret rooster in a subdivision with an HOA from Hell. And then someone in the country with a meat flock and a layer flock, protecting them from packs of dogs and coyotes.

So we all come up with different truths that work for us.

The core facts remain: chickens need a balanced chicken feed with adequate protein and other nutrients, ideally supplemented with some foraging, clean water, adequate space to keep things happy (think a 1960’s station wagon filled with two parents and six kids on a cross-country trip and the a/c breaks - you don’t want that), and effective protection against predators and disease. And then pay attention to them, because they will still find a way to surprise you!

I have an live in very similar area that you do. Neighbors (track homes)have chickens and a rooster. I don't free range because of my dog but I'm trying to fence around and area to do so. Your analogy is understood. Thank You for your core facts.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What I want to understand is that, it sounds like most of everyone has said OYSTER,OYSTER OYSTER SHELLS is better/best to provide as a supplement.
When needed or not

Oyster IS actually a better source of calcium, so pound for pound you're better off with the oyster shell vs. eggshell in terms of availability of calcium. But that said, not all birds will eat it, hence I find mixing the two to be the best solution.

 

[Clukcluks]

Oyster IS actually a better source of calcium, so pound for pound you're better off with the oyster shell vs. eggshell in terms of availability of calcium. But that said, not all birds will eat it, hence I find mixing the two to be the best solution.

Got it Someone else from this group also mentioned mixing the two which also prolongs the bag of Oyster Shells that I buy to last longer. I'm going to do that. Thanks

 

[C Siena]

We're only in our 3rd year of chickens. The first year, with 7 hens we did not supplement any calcium and only feed layer feed and treats (keeping protein balanced). The second year, we added 10 more hens and I, ignorant, didn't add anything calcium. No problems, okay, 1 soft shell. Beginning Feb of this year (no hen at 2 years old), I began to add crushed egg shell. They are eating plenty of it, which is why I probably should have added it earlier.
Our customers bring back the empty clean cartons and some save the shells and give them to us. I clean and soak then dry. We still are not having any problems with eggs and all are active and "appear" healthy.
As we offer them crushed egg shells, and have plenty, why would we need to purchase oyster shell?

 

[rosemarythyme]

As we offer them crushed egg shells, and have plenty, why would we need to purchase oyster shell?

If you're getting good results then what you're doing is fine for you.

Since you're using layer feed which is usually around 4% calcium (vs around 1% in an all flock), you're already adding in extra calcium via the feed in addition to the eggshells.

I feed both layer and starter so my calcium via feed is closer to 2%, which isn't enough by itself to maintain eggshell strength, hence the need to supplement oyster as they can't recycle enough from their own eggshells alone.