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malc
Joined: 16 Mar 2008
Posts: 6
Location: new forest
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 Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:10 am Post subject: oyster shell |
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Hi,
we have been having the odd soft shells from our 8 chooks (4 ex-batts and 4 posh birds). We have bought some oyster-shell to add to their diet. It comes in flakes about half the size of a pea. Is this ok, or does it have to be ground down in some way? |
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pauld
Joined: 15 Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Location: cornwall
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| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 8:12 am Post subject: |
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Hi malc,
I've had 6 ex-batts for a whole week, so we're talking in-depth knowledge here  The girls are fed layers mash ad lib. I just sprinkle oyster shell on the mash, and they hoover it up! (I understand you can also introduce more calcium by crushing egg shells and adding them to feed.)
It would be interesting to learn how quickly the problem resolves. |
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chicky
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 24
Location: hereford
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| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:10 am Post subject: |
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| i give mine oyster shell grit sounds the same size as the stuff you have, i just put mine in a bowl in the pen and let them help themselves, they take what they need that way. you dont need to grind it down for them. |
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pjred
Joined: 15 Jun 2008
Posts: 175
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| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:19 am Post subject: |
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| chicky wrote: | | i give mine oyster shell grit sounds the same size as the stuff you have, i just put mine in a bowl in the pen and let them help themselves, they take what they need that way. you dont need to grind it down for them. |
That is what I am also doing. However, I have had to buy a stoneware bowl, cos they kept tipping the plastic bowl over as it was too light  |
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Elly
Joined: 18 Apr 2008
Posts: 238
Location: Norfolk
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| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:32 am Post subject: |
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You dont mention how long you have had the birds or how long they have been laying. Both these factors can influence egg production. 
If they are new layers then it takes a while for them to 'get into it' 
You could mix some of the oyster shell in with their feed to get them eating a bit more. I use a grit mix which has shell and grit in(for digestion).
Storms, upsets, stress etc can also affect egg production, so dont be to worried unless in is a regular occurrance.
Keep smilin
Elly |
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kated
Joined: 01 Nov 2006
Posts: 1740
Location: norfolk
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| Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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| Put the oyster shell in a weather protected container and let them help themselves - they'll soon learn where it is and what it's for. I use a plastic gallon container such as you can buy vinegar, or oil. Cut a hole in on of the narrow sides about 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom so that a hen can get its head in easily and place it in a sheltered area of your hen run. |
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