Why Oyster Shell?

[chickiebaby]

I don't doubt the need for calcium supplements; but my chickens gladly devour dried eggshells, ground up. Hasn't increased cannibalism, as some fear - they're dried and ground, and the ladies don't think of them as 'that perfect round thing I so brilliantly and uniquely laid this morning' -- but as food or dirt. And no weak shelled eggs at all here.

I'm guessing there is something special in addition to the calcium, that one gets from oyster shell? Lay it on me, friends.

 

[skeeter]

nope ,I do the same as you,my hens never get oyster shells,I asked my 80+yo aunt about oyster shells and she laughed and said we never knew what an oyster shell was out on the prairie,that was back when you could get 100 chicks in the mail for $2.00

 

[willowcol]

I do both, but my oster shells came from 2 bussels we got for a cookout. I save my shell and grind them too. Don't think there is a difference as long as the get the extra calcium.

 

[MissEllieMae]

New to the chicken world...
Someone told me to buy laying mesh for my hens. I got some, but what I want to know is, is this an everyday feed or every few days???

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
If your hens are laying, layer mash or layer pellets (whichever you prefer) should be their primary feed. It has all the necessary ingredients in the right amounts to replace what the hens are putting into the production of their eggs.
Everything else is just dessert.
My hens have layer pellets available 24/7. I also offer oyster shell although the feed I buy has some in it. On occasion I also clean and crush up egg shells to offer them. I don't feed raw eggs, but will sometimes scramble them up any extras.
They also get table scraps and treats I buy specifically for them.

 

[Teach97]

the oyster shell not only gives the calcium it can also act like a grit...which is important if you are feeding grains and not letting them roam where they can pick up stones and such

 

[lichick28]

That's a good point about using it as grit. my girls dont like to go out in the snow and scratch to get any grit