Why won’t my chickens eat oyster shells?

[AllyTCat]

I have 3 hens and they just started laying. We’ve fed them oyster shells but they don’t eat them and just spill them everywhere. I was wondering if there was an alternative to oyster shells? I’m really worried about it. I can’t find any other calcium supplements at the store.

 

[Annalyse]

I have 3 hens and they just started laying. We’ve fed them oyster shells but they don’t eat them and just spill them everywhere. I was wondering if there was an alternative to oyster shells? I’m really worried about it. I can’t find any other calcium supplements at the store.

My girls don't eat their oyster shells either. Well, they will peck at it and may eat a couple when you're not around but always keep it out for them. They may not need to eat it all the time but when they do they will peck at it not fully eat it like they do with there food.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Commenting to see other people's answers. My hens will not eat it even when I mix it with scratch. They will accidentally nab a piece and drop it rather than eat it. They go crazy for egg shells though.

 

[Jersey giant lover]

I would feed those hens crushed egg shells

 

[LaFleche]

I have 3 hens and they just started laying. We’ve fed them oyster shells but they don’t eat them and just spill them everywhere. I was wondering if there was an alternative to oyster shells? I’m really worried about it. I can’t find any other calcium supplements at the store.

Do they have grit for proper digestion?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

They don’t need much oyster shell. A few pieces is enough for a large egg, if not more. What are they eating feed wise? If they are eating a layer feed, they don’t really need much extra calcium on the side if any.

 

[AllyTCat]

They don’t need much oyster shell. A few pieces is enough for a large egg, if not more. What are they eating feed wise? If they are eating a layer feed, they don’t really need much extra calcium on the side if any.

They mostly eat grass and do have layer feed but the one we use isn’t that great a source of calcium

 

[AllyTCat]

Do they have grit for proper digestion?

Yes

 

[NatJ]

I have 3 hens and they just started laying. We’ve fed them oyster shells but they don’t eat them and just spill them everywhere. I was wondering if there was an alternative to oyster shells?

They mostly eat grass and do have layer feed but the one we use isn’t that great a source of calcium

Each hen only needs a little bit of oyster shell each day. So you will not see them eating it the way they eat food. They will just take a nibble here and there.

You can also give them egg shells. After you eat the egg, squish the shell enough that it no longer looks like an egg, and drop it in their pen. They may eat it, or they may not--but it gives them another option. (Why make the eggshell not look like an egg? Because you don't want them thinking that egg-shaped things are good to eat.)

 

[Annalyse]

Each hen only needs a little bit of oyster shell each day. So you will not see them eating it the way they eat food. They will just take a nibble here and there.

You can also give them egg shells. After you eat the egg, squish the shell enough that it no longer looks like an egg, and drop it in their pen. They may eat it, or they may not--but it gives them another option. (Why make the eggshell not look like an egg? Because you don't want them thinking that egg-shaped things are good to eat.)

i heard you have to bake the egg shells