Adding calcium when they won’t touch oyster shells

[chickenwhisper123]

@rosemarythyme where do you find the flaked? I have crushed as you described and they have no interest. I’m thinking I could mix the flaked shell in with their fermented feed and they would inhale it.

It sounds like you're talking about feeding crushed or flaked eggshells (or possibly oyster shells) to chickens for calcium. If they’re not interested in the crushed shells, flaked might work better, especially if mixed with their fermented feed. Some chickens can be picky about texture, so blending it in with something they already love can encourage them to eat it. You might also try drying and baking the shells before crushing them to improve palatability.


Were you asking where to find flaked shell, or how to make it? If you meant where to buy it, many farm supply stores sell finely ground or flaked oyster shells specifically for poultry.

 

[Bigfishbobby]

It sounds like you're talking about feeding crushed or flaked eggshells (or possibly oyster shells) to chickens for calcium. If they’re not interested in the crushed shells, flaked might work better, especially if mixed with their fermented feed. Some chickens can be picky about texture, so blending it in with something they already love can encourage them to eat it. You might also try drying and baking the shells before crushing them to improve palatability.


Were you asking where to find flaked shell, or how to make it? If you meant where to buy it, many farm supply stores sell finely ground or flaked oyster shells specifically for poultry.

I was asking where to buy it. I haven’t seen it locally but haven’t looked too hard either. When I do find it, I think I’ll switch to see if it makes a difference. Worst case I mix the flakes and crumbles and have enough oyster to last me a lifetime.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I was asking where to buy it. I haven’t seen it locally but haven’t looked too hard either. When I do find it, I think I’ll switch to see if it makes a difference. Worst case I mix the flakes and crumbles and have enough oyster to last me a lifetime.

I buy both on Amazon. Only one of my 4 chickens touch the flake type

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, egg shell are good. IMO only 20-30 seconds in the microwave is just fine. Saves time and energy.

I find it easier to just pile them up on an oven safe tray, and pop it in during preheat when I'm making dinner or baking (and they're ready when oven is done preheating). So no extra time or energy used that way.

 

[BDutch]

that's neat I did not know you can do it in the microwave TY for the tip!

Dont try a whole egg.

 

[tlcmurphy]

Dont try a whole egg.

My SIL did that decades ago, blew the door off the microwave.

 

[NameIwish]

Ah. I was hoping you were getting it from a local chain store that might be near me. Thanks!

Tractor Supply and Walmart as well as Amazon offer it or substitutes just 'googol' "Flaked Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement for Chickens"