What did our great grandparents do about oyster shell?

[orcasislandchickens]

Here on the islands they used Oyster shell (and other shells from crushed shell beaches)

 

[seminolewind]

I can't understand how chickens get the calcium out of the shell pieces. Those shell pieces are so hard-they ruined my food processor, I was trying to grind it up. I finally resorted to rolling the car tire over a bag a few times. So how?

 

[morelcabin]

Quote:
You are so right about all of this
Our grandparents didn't expect as many eggs everday as we do i guess, so the light didn't matter...I'm not sure if their birds her in Canada were free ranged year round, but I wouldn't doubt it:>)
Ahhh, for the simple life...life before everything went over the deep end...my coop is not insulated by the way, and I don't use antibacterial soap...bottled water scares me...I still can't believe that commercialism has duped so many people into BUYING something that comes into thier own homes for free! How did that HAPPEN???

 

[crazyhen]

When I was growing up we lived about 10 miles from the ocean and after we had roast oysters they would through the shells in the chicken run. I quess the roasting and elements broke down the shells because there were bits everywhere.
The simple life was not simple. Just very hard work. I respect our parents and grands very much. No, no power bill ( a wood stove to cook on in the heat of the summer), waterbills( nasty tasting water then next to the ocean with loads of iodine in it) . I like my power and water here. It is safe and free from a well in the mtns. I don't want the worry of going out and killing, dressing and preparing everything I eat. I do like fresh, well grown veg.(whichI do) and fresh eggs and chicken.
Lets us be thankful but mindful. The good old days were not always that good. We survived. Jean

 

[Curlita]

Quote:
Very nicely put.

 

[Gazinga]

amen

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I feed all my chickens starter. I have more babies than anything else. I do not give mine any oyster shell, although they are totally free range birds. Their egg's shells are just as thick and hard as my dad's chickens...who are cooped up all the time, get fed layer, and get oyster shells to boot!

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
I still don't know how. Does anyone out there know?

 

[snowydiamonds]

limestone if they could get it, feeding egg shells back to the chickens, if they lived near where fish is or was available, like I do, I pressure cook the carcass so the bones are soft and there's a bit of fish meat to mix w/rice or just feed the calcium from the fish backbone/carcass (after pressure cooked) are a few ways...

added: some layer feed has calcium other brands/bags like Nutrena Nature Wise states: Provide oyster shell or limestone

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
I still don't know how. Does anyone out there know?

I would say putting them in a bag and mashing them with a hammer. Might try heating them somehow. Most everything breaks easier when hot, like nuts is what I had in mind.