Feeding Eggshells To Chickens: The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a natural and cost-effective way to boost your chickens' health and egg production? Look no further than eggshells! Yes, those seemingly useless shells are packed with calcium, an essential nutrient for your feathered friends. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of feeding eggshells to chickens, how to prepare them properly, and address some common questions.

Why Feed Eggshells to Chickens?

Calcium is crucial for laying hens. It plays a vital role in eggshell formation. When hens don't get enough calcium, they may lay thin-shelled or even shell-less eggs, a frustrating problem for any chicken keeper. Plus, calcium deficiency can lead to health issues like osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle. So, feeding eggshells to your chickens is like giving them a natural calcium supplement, ensuring strong bones and sturdy eggshells. It's also a fantastic way to reduce waste and recycle kitchen scraps! Instead of tossing those shells in the trash, you can transform them into a valuable resource for your flock. It's a win-win situation for your chickens and the environment. Many commercial chicken feeds contain calcium, but supplementing with eggshells ensures your hens get an extra boost, particularly during peak laying season. Older hens, in particular, may benefit from the additional calcium as their ability to absorb nutrients decreases with age. Moreover, feeding eggshells to chickens can contribute to the overall health and well-being of your flock. Strong, healthy hens are more resistant to diseases and parasites, leading to a more productive and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. By incorporating this simple practice into your routine, you're not only providing essential nutrients but also promoting sustainable and responsible poultry management. So, let's dive deeper into the how-to of feeding eggshells to chickens and unlock the full potential of this natural resource.

How to Prepare Eggshells for Chickens

Preparing eggshells for your chickens is a simple process, but it's essential to do it correctly to ensure their safety and palatability. The primary goal is to sanitize the shells and make them easier for your chickens to consume. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Collect and Rinse: After using eggs, rinse the shells under cool water to remove any remaining egg white or yolk. This step is crucial for preventing the shells from becoming smelly and attracting pests.
2. Bake or Boil: The next step is to sanitize the shells to kill any potential bacteria, such as Salmonella. You can achieve this by either baking or boiling them. To bake, spread the rinsed shells on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are dry and brittle. Alternatively, you can boil the shells in water for about 10 minutes. Boiling is a quicker method but may result in slightly less brittle shells.
3. Crush the Shells: Once the shells are sanitized and cooled, it's time to crush them. Crushing the shells is essential for two reasons: Firstly, it makes them easier for chickens to eat. Large pieces of shell can be difficult for chickens to peck and digest. Secondly, crushing the shells helps prevent chickens from recognizing them as eggs. If chickens start associating whole eggshells with eggs, they may develop a habit of eating their own eggs, which is a behavior you definitely want to avoid. You can crush the shells using a food processor, a blender, or simply by hand. The goal is to create small, irregular pieces that are easily manageable for your chickens.
4. Optional: Grind into Powder: For even better absorption, you can grind the crushed shells into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Eggshell powder can be easily mixed into your chickens' regular feed or offered as a separate supplement.
5. Store Properly: Store the prepared eggshells in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will prevent them from becoming contaminated or absorbing moisture. Properly stored eggshells can last for several months, so you can prepare a large batch and have them on hand whenever you need them.

By following these simple steps, you can confidently prepare eggshells for your chickens and provide them with a natural and effective calcium supplement. Remember, proper preparation is key to ensuring the safety and palatability of the shells, so take the time to do it right.

How Much Eggshells to Feed

Determining the right amount of eggshells to feed your chickens is crucial for their health and egg production. Overfeeding calcium can be as detrimental as underfeeding, so it's essential to find the right balance. A general guideline is to supplement your chickens' diet with eggshells so that they consume about 4-5 grams of calcium per day. This amount can vary depending on factors such as the hen's age, breed, laying status, and the calcium content of their regular feed.

To estimate how much eggshell to feed, consider that one average-sized eggshell contains approximately 2 grams of calcium. Therefore, feeding eggshells to chickens from two to three eggs per hen per week is generally sufficient. However, it's essential to monitor your chickens' eggshells and overall health to adjust the amount accordingly. If you notice your hens are laying eggs with thin or weak shells, you may need to increase the amount of eggshell supplementation. Conversely, if you observe any signs of calcium excess, such as pale yolks or chalky white droppings, you should reduce the amount.

There are several ways to incorporate eggshells into your chickens' diet. The most common method is to mix the crushed or powdered eggshells into their regular feed. This ensures that each hen receives a consistent amount of calcium with each meal. You can also offer the eggshells as a separate free-choice supplement in a designated feeder. This allows hens to consume eggshells as needed, based on their individual calcium requirements. When offering eggshells free-choice, make sure to provide a separate source of grit, which helps chickens grind their food in the gizzard. Grit is especially important when feeding supplemental calcium, as it aids in the digestion and absorption of the minerals.

It's also important to consider the calcium content of your chickens' regular feed. Many commercial chicken feeds are formulated to meet the calcium requirements of laying hens. If your feed already contains a high level of calcium, you may need to reduce the amount of eggshell supplementation to prevent overfeeding. Always read the feed label carefully and consult with a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian if you have any concerns about your chickens' calcium intake. By carefully monitoring your chickens' egg production, shell quality, and overall health, you can determine the optimal amount of eggshells to feed and ensure they receive the calcium they need for strong bones and healthy eggs.

Addressing Common Concerns About Feeding Eggshells

Feeding eggshells to chickens is a widely accepted practice, but some common concerns often arise. Let's address these concerns to provide clarity and ensure you feel confident in supplementing your flock's diet with eggshells.

1. Will chickens start eating their own eggs?

This is perhaps the most prevalent concern when discussing feeding eggshells to chickens. The worry is that if chickens recognize eggshells as eggs, they might develop a taste for them and start pecking at the eggs in the nest. However, this is easily prevented by properly preparing the eggshells. The key is to thoroughly crush or grind the shells into small, unrecognizable pieces. When the shells are crushed, they no longer resemble eggs, and chickens are less likely to associate them with their own eggs. Additionally, baking or boiling the shells changes their texture and smell, further reducing the risk of egg-eating behavior. If you're still concerned, you can mix the crushed eggshells thoroughly with your chickens' regular feed, making it even less likely they will associate them with whole eggs.

2. Is there a risk of Salmonella contamination?

Salmonella is a bacteria that can be present in raw eggs, and there's a valid concern about transmitting it to your chickens through eggshells. However, the risk is minimal if you properly sanitize the shells before feeding eggshells to chickens. Baking the shells at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes or boiling them for 10 minutes effectively kills Salmonella and other harmful bacteria. This simple step ensures that the eggshells are safe for your chickens to consume. It's also essential to practice good hygiene when handling raw eggs and eggshells. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling them, and avoid cross-contamination with other food items or surfaces.

3. How do I store prepared eggshells?

Proper storage of prepared eggshells is essential to maintain their quality and prevent contamination. Once you have baked or boiled and crushed the eggshells, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will protect them from moisture and pests. A sealed container, such as a plastic storage bin or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, is ideal. Properly stored eggshells can last for several months without losing their nutritional value. It's a good idea to label the container with the date you prepared the eggshells so you can keep track of how long they have been stored.

4. Can I feed eggshells from store-bought eggs?

Yes, you can feed eggshells from store-bought eggs to your chickens, as long as you prepare them properly. The same sanitization process applies: rinse, bake or boil, and crush the shells. Store-bought eggs are subject to the same potential for bacterial contamination as eggs from your own flock, so it's crucial to sanitize them thoroughly. By addressing these common concerns and following the recommended preparation and storage guidelines, you can confidently and safely supplement your chickens' diet with eggshells, providing them with a natural and effective source of calcium.

Other Natural Calcium Sources for Chickens

While eggshells are an excellent source of calcium for chickens, there are other natural options you can consider to supplement their diet. Variety is beneficial, and offering different calcium sources can ensure your flock receives a well-rounded nutritional profile. Here are some alternative natural calcium sources for chickens:

• Oyster Shells: Oyster shells are a popular and readily available calcium supplement for poultry. They are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, the same compound found in eggshells, and provide a slow-release form of calcium that is beneficial for laying hens. Oyster shells are typically sold in crushed form and can be offered free-choice in a separate feeder, allowing hens to consume them as needed. Like eggshells, oyster shells are a natural and sustainable option for supplementing calcium.
• Limestone: Limestone, particularly ground limestone, is another common calcium supplement used in poultry diets. It is a cost-effective option and provides a readily available source of calcium. Ground limestone can be mixed into your chickens' regular feed to ensure they receive a consistent amount of calcium. However, it's essential to use agricultural-grade limestone that is specifically formulated for animal consumption.
• Bone Meal: Bone meal is a natural source of calcium and phosphorus, both essential minerals for chicken health and egg production. It is made from ground animal bones and is often used as a supplement in organic and natural poultry diets. Bone meal can be mixed into your chickens' feed or offered as a separate supplement. However, it's crucial to source bone meal from a reputable supplier to ensure it is free from contaminants.
• Kelp Meal: Kelp meal is a seaweed-based supplement that is rich in minerals, including calcium. It also contains other beneficial nutrients, such as iodine and trace minerals, which can contribute to overall chicken health and egg quality. Kelp meal can be added to your chickens' feed or offered as a supplement. It's a sustainable and natural option for providing calcium and other essential nutrients.
• Dairy Products: Dairy products like yogurt and milk contain calcium and can be offered to chickens in moderation. However, dairy products should not be the primary source of calcium, as they also contain lactose, which chickens cannot digest efficiently. If you offer dairy products, do so in small amounts and ensure they are fresh and free from spoilage.

When incorporating any new calcium source into your chickens' diet, it's essential to monitor their health and egg production closely. Observe the quality of their eggshells and adjust the amount of supplementation as needed. Providing a variety of natural calcium sources can contribute to the overall health and well-being of your flock, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need for strong bones and healthy eggs.

Conclusion

Feeding eggshells to chickens is a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable way to boost their calcium intake, leading to stronger eggshells and healthier hens. By following the proper preparation methods and addressing common concerns, you can confidently incorporate this natural supplement into your flock's diet. Remember to monitor your chickens' health and adjust the amount of eggshells as needed. In addition to eggshells, consider other natural calcium sources like oyster shells, limestone, bone meal, and kelp meal to provide a well-rounded diet for your feathered friends. So, guys, don't toss those eggshells in the trash – turn them into a valuable resource for your chickens and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, productive flock!