Hen overeating oyster shell

[HensInTheForest]

Having concern with one or 2 hens gorging on too much oyster shell.

One PBB specifically has shown this behavior — stands right at oyster shell feeder and gulps it down, tipping it over then attacking others to dispel interest or access. I attached it to the hardware cloth, same problem,

I noticed her blue eggs were almost white and bumpy not smooth. I removed the oyster shell now they are blue again.

One or 2 others also eat quite a bit and changed their egg color or eggs had white spots on them.

First flock they are all at 29 and 30 weeks except 2 LB at 23 weeks.
All Shells are rock hard no soft issues but I’ve read they should have access it helps with contractions too.

Feeding FR.

Oyster shell is not near food source, I’ve tried putting in different places it doesn’t matter she is obsessed.

How would you handle this?

 

[cavemanrich]

Usually things are just the opposite, Chickens don't want the oyster shells that often.
It could be a possibility that these chickens are searching out grit. The oyster shells will work for that, but also add much calcium. The extra shells not digested, will pass thru the chicken out the south end.
Try offering them some grit,, and see if they overindulge on that, also.
Remove the oyster shells when doing this experiment.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[M Brennen]

Having concern with one or 2 hens gorging on too much oyster shell.

One PBB specifically has shown this behavior — stands right at oyster shell feeder and gulps it down, tipping it over then attacking others to dispel interest or access. I attached it to the hardware cloth, same problem,

I noticed her blue eggs were almost white and bumpy not smooth. I removed the oyster shell now they are blue again.

One or 2 others also eat quite a bit and changed their egg color or eggs had white spots on them.

First flock they are all at 29 and 30 weeks except 2 LB at 23 weeks.
All Shells are rock hard no soft issues but I’ve read they should have access it helps with contractions too.

Feeding FR.

Oyster shell is not near food source, I’ve tried putting in different places it doesn’t matter she is obsessed.

How would you handle this?

I’m wondering if you sprinkled the shells all over the ground where they have to search for them as opposed to having them in one spot. I usually throw out grit and shells when I throw out their scratch. Just a thought.

 

[HensInTheForest]

Usually things are just the opposite, Chickens don't want the oyster shells that often.
It could be a possibility that these chickens are searching out grit. The oyster shells will work for that, but also add much calcium. The extra shells not digested, will pass thru the chicken out the south end.
Try offering them some grit,, and see if they overindulge on that, also.
Remove the oyster shells when doing this experiment.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Thanks!

Grit is avail 10 feet away in similar dispenser. They take it much slower plus run is dirt floor they often find small grit in it.

When I took the OS away they didn't really increase grit consumption.

 

[NestingMillenial]

It could be a possibility that these chickens are searching out grit. The oyster shells will work for that, but also add much calcium.

Do you mean that the chicken would be confusing oyster shell bits for grits? (because to my understanding oyster shells are soluble in the acidic environment of the chicken's digestive system, so they would not work as grits - which I am assuming is why the OP doesn't see any correlations between the consumption of one or the other).

 

[cavemanrich]

Do you mean that the chicken would be confusing oyster shell bits for grits? (because to my understanding oyster shells are soluble in the acidic environment of the chicken's digestive system, so they would not work as grits - which I am assuming is why the OP doesn't see any correlations between the consumption of one or the other).

Well,,, most chickens do not get PHD degrees from HARWARD . When thay see a SOLID PIECE of rock,, they assume it will work as grit to grind their seeds in their gizzard.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I just want to say that grits are a porridge made from boiled cornmeal.
Grit on the other hand is made up of insoluble sharp stones.

 

[cavemanrich]

I just want to say that grits are a porridge made from boiled cornmeal.

I'm ole skool,,,,, Like to have grits, and oatmeal alternately for breakfast.