You may have heard about feeding your chickens extra calcium in the form of oyster shells, but do you know how to feed oyster shells to chickens? Keep reading to learn how.
If you have ever had your chickens lay an egg that has a rubbery shell your chickens are deficient in calcium!
Chickens need a lot of calcium because they are constantly laying eggs with calcium shells. Usually chickens get enough calcium from their feed but they may need extra.
Why Should I Feed My Chickens Oyster Shells
Oyster shells are a feed supplement for chickens that you will find in almost every feed store. Oyster shells are about 96% calcium.
I offer my chickens oyster shells because sometimes they need a little more calcium in their diet. If your hens become deficient in calcium it causes big issues.
If your hens don't have enough calcium to create eggshells their bodies will pull calcium from their bones to compensate.
You definitely don't want your egg laying chickens to be deficient in calcium. Chickens don't always need the oyster shells though, so how do you know when to feed it to them? (I am glad you asked)
Giving Chickens Oyster Shells Free Choice
Chickens actually know when they need more calcium and they can regulate their calcium intake. It's amazing to think that chickens actually know this, but that is how they were designed.
So instead of always adding extra calcium to their feed you can feed it to them "free choice". This basically means you give your hens permanent access to oyster shells and they decide when to eat them.
You can also feed your chickens grit for digestion, but that is a whole different subject that you can learn about here.
Ways To Give Your Chickens Oyster Shells
Here are some creative ways you can keep oyster shells out in your chicken coop.
Repurpose A Match Holder
Match holders used to be common in kitchens and they kept matches handy so they could be used to light the stove or the fire place.
I found a set of these match holders at a local store and they work great for oyster shells and grit. Match holders are not commonly found in stores but you can find them online right here.
Turn A Bottle Into and Oyster Shell Dispenser
Glass drink bottles can also be repurposed into a handy oyster shell dispenser. You can simply turn a bottle upside down and place a small pan underneath to catch the oyster shells.
This is a great tutorial showing you how to build your own dispenser.
Just Use A Pan
A really simple way to give them oyster shells is to place them in a pan, small feeder, or really any dish.
Any of these options works great, but you need to be mindful of where you place these free choice oyster shells.
Where Should I Place My Oyster Shell Dispenser
I like to keep my oyster shells inside of the coop so they stay out of the rain. Wet oyster shells can get really nasty and they are a mess to clean up.
I placed my match box holders inside my coop right by the nest boxes. This keeps my oyster shells out of the elements, and my chickens can easily access them.
When I get my chicken coop ready for winter I also place straw bales in-front of the coop. This makes it impossible to get inside my coop like I normally could during the summer.
With my dispenser close to the nest boxes I can refill it by simply opening the nest box door. Place your dispensers where they are the easiest to reach at all times.
Best Oyster Shells For Your Chickens
If you have a feed store where you buy your chicken feed they will most likely carry oyster shells. I bought a large oyster shell bag when I started keeping chickens and it has lasted years. (They don't eat much)
You can also find high quality oyster shells online here. When shopping look for pure oyster shells that aren't mixed with any "fillers".
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