If you are a backyard chicken owner, you know how important it is to provide your chickens with a balanced diet to ensure their health and well-being. One of the essential components of a healthy diet for chickens is calcium, which is necessary for strong bones, healthy eggshells, and overall health. Oyster shells are a common source of calcium for chickens, but how often should you give them to your birds?
In general, adult laying hens should have access to oyster shells at all times. This is especially important during the peak egg-laying season, as hens require extra calcium to produce strong eggshells. You can provide oyster shells in a separate feeder or mix them in with your chickens’ regular feed.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of oyster shells and provide guidance on how often you should offer them to your chickens.
What are Oyster Shells?
Oyster shells are exactly what they sound like – the shells of oysters. They are often used as a source of calcium for backyard chickens, as they contain a high amount of calcium carbonate. Oyster shells are usually crushed or ground into small pieces to make them easier for chickens to eat. You can usually find these at your local feed store.
Benefits of Oyster Shells for Chickens
Calcium is essential for chickens to develop strong bones and healthy eggshells. Without enough calcium in their diet, chickens can develop a range of health problems, including thin and weak eggshells, soft bones, and even osteoporosis.
Oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium for chickens, as they contain about 38-40% calcium carbonate. They also contain other minerals, including magnesium and potassium, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
In addition to providing essential nutrients, oyster shells can also have other benefits for chickens. For example, some chicken owners have reported that giving their birds oyster shells can help reduce the incidence of egg-eating, as the hens are less likely to crack and eat their own eggs when they have access to a ready source of calcium.
How Often Should You Give Your Chickens Oyster Shells?
So, how often should you offer oyster shells to your backyard chickens? The answer depends on several factors, including the age and breed of your birds, the quality of their diet, and their egg-laying cycle.
In general, adult laying hens should have access to oyster shells at all times. This is especially important during the peak egg-laying season, as hens require extra calcium to produce strong eggshells. You can provide oyster shells in a separate feeder or mix them in with your chickens’ regular feed. I tend to keep them separate so I can tell how much oyster shells are actually being consumed.
Should you give chicks oyster shells?
Chicks and young pullets, on the other hand, do not require as much calcium as adult hens. In fact, too much calcium can be harmful to their developing bodies. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid giving oyster shells to chicks or young pullets until they are closer to laying age.
Do all Breeds of Chickens Need Oyster Shells?
In total, yes all breeds of chickens need oyster shells. It is however important to note that not all chickens will need the same amount of calcium. Some breeds are known for producing stronger eggshells and may require less calcium supplementation, while others may need more. If you are unsure how much calcium your chickens need, consult with a veterinarian or poultry expert to determine the best feeding regimen for your birds.
Do oyster shells give my chickens all the required nutrition for healthy egg shells?
While Oyster Shells are the best source of calcium you can give your chicken, you must ensure that your chickens’ diet is balanced and nutritious. A diet that is too low in protein, vitamins, or other essential nutrients can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to health problems.
Make sure to provide your chickens with a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, vegetables, and protein sources, such as mealworms or fish. A great way to get all around nutrition for your chicken would be laying pellets or layer crumble. I’ve written an entire article on the differences between the two so you can decide yourself which one you’d rather feed to your flock! Check out the article here: Laying Pellets vs Layer Crumbles.
Conclusion
Oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium for backyard chickens, and providing them with access to oyster shells can help ensure their overall health and well-being. Adult laying hens should have access to oyster shells at all times, while chicks and young pullets should avoid them until they are closer to laying age. It is also important to provide your chickens with a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, to ensure your chickens are operating at peak performance!