Feeding Your Chickens Crushed Egg Shells

[humblehillsfarm]

Hopefully the majority of the people learn how important a complete balanced diet is before it's too late.

A free ranged flock will inevitably need more calcium, simply because their feed is diluted by eating grubs, grass, berries, etc. My flock has access to as many acres of woods as their feathered hearts desires and my feed consumption decreases by more than half in the spring, summer, and fall. I know many others on here are in similar situations. In this case, providing supplemental calcium is required. In addition, high production breeds tend to have higher calcium needs than heritage birds. My neighbor had a flock of thirty red sex-links that don’t free range and her eggs are frequently thin-shelled, and I know she only uses layer feed. There is literally no harm in simply providing free-choice calcium for the flock to nibble on if needed.

 

[AntiqueB]

I feed grower feed to my girls, and offer oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, and crushed egg shell on the side. They eat the egg shell first, but also eat oyster shell. They are very good at regulating. Their shells are stronger than store eggs.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I feed grower feed to my girls, and offer oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, and crushed egg shell on the side. They eat the egg shell first, but also eat oyster shell. They are very good at regulating. Their shells are stronger than store eggs.

I pretty much do the same. I switch between all flock or grower feed, whichever is available.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a calcium feeder that I keep filled with a mix of crushed eggshell and oystershell. They pick what they like from it.

 

[Maiahr]

I have 2 free range flocks. I feed with 50% layers feed, 30% wheat and 20% corn. I give richly crushed egg shells. I noticed Leghorns as usual eat everything a lot, so they eat most of the crushed egg shells. I don't give oyster calcium.

 

[Carter Martin]

Thanks everyone for the help/advise.

 

[AprilsZoo]

<snip>
I also save my egg shells, let them air dry crush them and feed them back. I use a separate wall hanging piglet hopper inside coop for oyster shell and grit
<snip>

Show us the Piglet - when you can !

Sorry, no piglets for 45 years.
Found out those adorable little buggers were as smart and lovable as any dog I have had and raising them for meat was not in my future.

Heya 50— by “piglet” I’m pretty sure Jules meant the “piglet hopper” you mentioned in your initial post... (see above).
Probably one of those autocorrect flubs, but just in case— I was wondering too, about what a piglet hopper is?

 

[Chris2018]

I have 2 free range flocks. I feed with 50% layers feed, 30% wheat and 20% corn. I give richly crushed egg shells. I noticed Leghorns as usual eat everything a lot, so they eat most of the crushed egg shells. I don't give oyster calcium.

What is the protein amount of you Layer Feed.

 

[50-45-1]

This is a piglet wall hanging feeder. Works perfect for oyster shell and grit .

 

[AprilsZoo]

<snip>
This is a piglet wall hanging feeder. Works perfect for oyster shell and grit .

Thanks...