Where to get shells free

[nataliewipf]

so I know most of us keep our eggs to dry and feed back to our chickens but if you're just getting started and don't have a lot of eggs you can call local bakeries and ask them to keep their shells and pick up weekly. Most give them free and most have empty icing buckets with lids that they can give you to keep your shells, grit, feed and whatever else you need in them and those are also given away free

 

[DobieLover]

so I know most of us keep our eggs to dry and feed back to our chickens but if you're just getting started and don't have a lot of eggs you can call local bakeries and ask them to keep their shells and pick up weekly. Most give them free and most have empty icing buckets with lids that they can give you to keep your shells, grit, feed and whatever else you need in them and those are also given away free

I feed oyster shell. It's only $10 for a 50# bag at that will last over a year for my flock. I don't have time to mess with eggs shells.

 

[Mosey2003]

That's cool, but I don't think it's really necessary. Egg shells will add calcium, yes, but it's not going to be particularly helpful as far as egg-laying goes. The eggs are mostly formed overnight while the bird is sleeping, which is why we feed oyster shell. You want a form of calcium that takes longer to break down so that it's still sitting there available all night. I suppose if you're using a feed that isn't a layer ration and wanting to make up the calcium the eggshells would do that. But they aren't a substitute for oyster shell.