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Oyster shells for hens

  • 09-01-2015 10:24am
    #1
    Adrian81
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭


    does anyone know where i can get crushed oyster shell? its used in chicken feed to increase calcium intake for stronger eggs


Comments

  • #2
    aonb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,277 ✭✭✭aonb


    You should check your local farm supplies store - if they stock poultry products, they will have bags of oyster shell. Make sure you put it in a deepish bowl, so that its not scratched/pecked onto the ground/wasted.

    A better solution I have found is LIMESTONE FLOUR - its pure calcium - a medium sized tub costs around €6 I think - will last for years - you sprinkle a spoon on to the hens food every day til you see an improvement in the shells - usually takes a week to see the effect. Also available at your farm supplies store/equestrian shop (or you can get online)

    Another option is to give them back their own eggshells - not as efficient, but free and 'green' - rinse the shells, pop in the microwave for 2 mins, smash them up in a bowl, put in the hen run

    (Are you giving them decent quality layers pellets, which will contain 'optimum' nutrients - including calcium) - also as they age, hens shell quality will deteriorate naturally.


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