Yogurt instead of oyster shell?

[flockof4]

Any thoughts on offering yogurt 2 or 3 times a week instead of oyster shell? One just started laying and the other three are about to start. They get organic layer crumble and daily scratch (they're pampered) plus whatever they find in their run. Just curious.

 

[flockof4]

I just needed to be more patient....

 

[HEChicken]

I'm not sure how good they are at absorbing the calcium from yogurt. I would err on the side of caution and offer oyster shell instead.

 

[Gonzo]

I don't see why it would hurt. I don't give shells, but I do give yogurt. I try to do it a few times a month, and daily in the summer. It has wonderful bacteria that will help your chickens in so many ways! It helps coat the lining of the gut and helps protect from cocci, and the calcium is a plus for their eggs.

 

[3goodeggs]

Part of the use of the grit or oyster shell is for the gizzard to use it to grind up stuff. (hen's Teeth as it were.)

 

[Gonzo]

Quote:
You should'nt use the oyster shells in lui of grit... grit is rock, oyster shell is hard calcium.. if you talk to some old farmers, they'll look at you like you're nuts when you ask them about either one!

 

[pacetruckguy]

That's because if a chickens not producing, or isn't doing well, most OLD farmers would chop their heads off.

 

[Nana2KJS]

Mine get both. Yogurt in their "breakfast" with a bit of oatmeal and scrambled egg. Oyster shell AND grit left out free choice. Works for me. Just make sure to use plain yogurt or make your own. The sugar content in most flavored yogurts is not good for them.

 

[flockof4]

Thanks for the responses. I will offer the oyster shell free choice and continue the yogurt as a treat. They love it. I've been doing the plain yogurt as I had heard about the sugar content in the flavored ones. So far the shells on the eggs have been nice and hard and well formed.