What do you keep your oyster shell in?

[andythescot]

For a while I've been trying to figure out the ideal container to put the crushed oyster shell for my girls in. I've tried all sorts of containers, but they LOVE taking a giant LEAP onto the edge of the tray/bowl/etc. and spill it EVERYWHERE. And then ignore it. And the problem with it being on the ground is that they ignore it. They really do hate eating it.

Any thoughts at all?

Thanks

 

[airmechreed]

I mix my shell up in their feed. I use 10% shell to 80% feed the other 10% is grit. My chickens seem to be eating it that way.

 

[sovia]

I bought one of those small stainless steel rabbit feeders and hung it on the wall. Works great! I have one for oyster shell and another for grit.

 

[lleighmay]

I agree with Sovia- I use a rabbit feeder that hangs on the wall- mine's made of plastic, not metal. Not enough room to jump into and easy to take out of the bracket to fill or clean. I think mine was about $5.00 at Tractor Supply.

 

[luvinrunnin]

I use a hubcap. Works pretty well for me!

 

[KrisH]

I found a wall hanging double feeder made of plastic at TSC. We use one side for oyster shell and the other for grit

 

[florida lee]

I made a double bin, ine side for Oyster and the other side for grit.

 

[andythescot]

I really love the rabbit feeder ideas! Thanks everybody!
But on an unrelated note, how essential is grit? I've neve given my birds grit, and they haven't had any problems with fruits, vegetables, etc. Is that because they get to go out and free range and such?

 

[Silverose]

my husband made me the cutest little metal hopper, it holds 5lb. kinda looks like a rabbit feeder.

Yes, freerange chickens pick up grit but depending on your yard you may still need to provide some, depends on how rocky it is and what type of rock. I have lots of landscaping done w/ river rock, plus a sandbox made of "river sand" so I don't put out grit.

 

[Amethyste]

I use the metal rabbit feeders /hoppers. They hang on the wall and I fill one with oyster shell and the other with cherry-stone grit. So far they seem to use them well and the birds don't bill it out everywhere like when it was in the old feeders.