Raising chickens in your backyard comes with many questions especially when it comes to feeding. One common concern for new chicken keepers is whether it’s safe to give your feathered friends eggshells. While it might seem odd at first feeding eggshells to chickens is actually an old-timey practice that can reduce costs and repurpose waste. Chickens love to forage for snacks and when prepared properly eggshells are a great way to support their calcium needs. However, if you’re wondering whether this will harm your flock don’t worry eggshells won’t slice their throats or cause any harm. If you get the preparation right this can be a successful practice that benefits both your chickens and your wallet!
Can Chickens Eat Eggshells?
Yes, chickens can eat eggshells and it’s actually a great source of calcium, which helps them produce strong eggs. Despite some naysayers who don’t encourage this, I’ve been doing it for years with great success especially with my laying hens. It’s an underrated hack in chicken keeping that supports the health of your flock though there are a few exceptions. When done correctly it can be a very effective practice to keep your chickens healthy and fit!
Benefits of Feeding Eggshells to Chickens
Feeding eggshells to your chickens provides them with an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for egg production. As hens lay eggs their bodies need an adequate supply of calcium to form strong, intact shells. Without it, you may end up with weak or thin-shelled eggs leading to breakage and a messy coop. By supplementing their diet with eggshells, you’re helping to prevent these issues and ensure your flock stays healthy.
In addition to eggshells, I also use products like Chicken E-lixir and Golden Graze to give my chickens an extra calcium boost. These products provide more calcium to support healthy egg formation and improve the overall health of the chickens. While eggshells work wonders combining them with treats containing oyster shells can be a great way to support your chickens’ health and keep their eggs strong and intact.
Minimizing Egg Waste
Feeding eggshells to your chickens is a smart way to reduce wasting any part of the egg. Instead of tossing them out you can feed them to your flock which loves eating them. This not only minimizes waste but also provides a valuable source of calcium. Chickens are smart and know what they need so they’ll enjoy the eggshells while also benefiting from the nutrients they provide. Just make sure to keep a few things in mind when preparing the eggshells to ensure a healthy feed for your chickens.
Steps to Clean and Prepare Eggshells for Chickens
It’s important to clean eggshells thoroughly before giving them to your flock. Make sure to rinse the shells well to remove any leftover egg whites or yolk as these can attract pests and bacteria.
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Baking Eggshells (Optional Step)
To reduce the risk of bacteria, some backyard keepers choose to bake the eggshells at a low temperature of 200°F (about 93°C) for around 10 minutes. This process sterilizes the eggshells and makes them easier to crush for your chickens. While I used to do this regularly I’ve become a little more relaxed as a chicken mama and don’t always take the time to bake them anymore. However, it’s still a good option if you want to ensure the shells are extra clean and safe for your flock.
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Simple Steps to Crush Eggshells
To make eggshells easier for your chickens to consume simply crushing them into smaller pieces is a great option. This helps with digestion and makes the calcium in the eggshells more accessible. You can put the eggshells in a Ziploc bag or between waxed paper and use a rolling pin for a quick and easy crush. Alternatively some people use a food processor but I find the rolling pin method works just fine for my hens. The smaller pieces make it easier for the hens to consume and get the maximum benefit from the eggshells.
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Serve Separately
To help your chickens get the most out of eggshells, it’s best to offer them separately from the regular feed. Place the crushed eggshells in a small dish or container inside the coop allowing your hens to eat them when needed. This approach lets the chickens naturally regulate their calcium intake providing them with a free choice option. For extra calcium you can also use oyster shells as part of the same strategy. I personally keep a bowl of oyster shells available at all times for my girls to help them get the extra calcium they need.
Busting Myths on Feeding Eggshells to Chickens
There are a lot of misconceptions about feeding eggshells to chickens. One common myth is that giving them eggshells will cause them to start pecking and eating their own eggs. This isn’t true! In reality chickens can eat eggshells without developing this habit. However, they might become egg eaters if they are bored, stressed or lacking protein which is why it’s so important to ensure they have a balanced diet with high-quality food.
Feeding eggshells can also help provide the necessary calcium for healthy egg production, ensuring your chickens lay strong and nutritious eggs. Not only does it contribute to health and nutrition but it also reduces waste in your kitchen making it a win-win situation. By offering eggshells as a natural source of calcium you are giving your chickens a healthy snack that boosts their overall well-being.
5 Facts About Can Chickens Eat Eggshells
Here are 5 facts about Can Chickens Eat Eggshells:
- Natural Source of Calcium: Eggshells are an excellent natural source of calcium, which is essential for chickens to produce strong, healthy eggshells and maintain bone health.
- Helps Prevent Egg Breakage: Feeding eggshells can help prevent weak or thin-shelled eggs that are more likely to break. This gives your chickens the necessary nutrients to produce strong eggs.
- Reduces Kitchen Waste: Using eggshells as a supplement for your flock reduces food waste making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to provide your chickens with extra nutrition.
- Does Not Cause Egg Eating: Contrary to popular belief feeding eggshells does not cause chickens to start pecking and eating their own eggs as long as they are given enough protein and not bored or stressed.
- Easy to Prepare: Crushing eggshells before feeding them to chickens makes them easier to digest and helps your flock absorb the calcium more effectively. You can also bake them to sterilize before feeding.
FAQs:
Here are 10 FAQs about “Can Chickens Eat Eggshells”:
1. Can chickens eat their own eggshells?
Yes, chickens can safely eat their own eggshells. The calcium in eggshells is beneficial for their health and egg production.
2. How do you prepare eggshells for chickens?
Crush the eggshells into small pieces and offer them to your chickens. Baking them at a low temperature helps sterilize them before feeding.
3. Are eggshells a good source of calcium for chickens?
Yes, eggshells provide a natural and excellent source of calcium which helps chickens produce strong eggshells and maintain their health.
4. Will feeding eggshells make chickens eat their own eggs?
No, feeding eggshells does not encourage chickens to eat their own eggs. Egg-eating usually happens if chickens are bored or lacking protein.
5. How often should chickens be fed eggshells?
You can feed eggshells to your chickens daily or a few times a week. Ensure it’s in moderation and alongside their regular diet for proper calcium intake.
6. Do eggshells help with egg production?
Yes, eggshells support egg production by providing calcium which strengthens eggshells and improves overall health.
7. Can eggshells help with digestion in chickens?
Yes, eggshells can aid in digestion as the small pieces help chickens grind their food in the gizzard improving nutrient absorption.
8. Are eggshells better than other calcium sources for chickens?
Eggshells are a natural source of calcium but some people also offer oyster shells or calcium supplements depending on their chickens’ needs.
9. Should eggshells be crushed before feeding chickens?
Yes, it’s best to crush the eggshells into smaller pieces to make them easier for the chickens to consume and to avoid choking.
10. Can you feed eggshells to chicks?
It’s generally not recommended to feed eggshells to chicks until they are older and able to safely digest the crushed pieces and benefit from the calcium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chickens can indeed eat eggshells and it’s a great way to provide them with the calcium they need for strong, healthy eggs and optimal egg production. Feeding eggshells is not only beneficial for your chickens’ health but it also helps reduce waste in your kitchen by repurposing what would otherwise be thrown away. By offering eggshells in small crushed pieces you can make them more accessible and easier for your flock to consume, ensuring they get the maximum benefit.
While there are some myths about eggshells causing chickens to eat their own eggs, this is generally not the case when they have enough protein and are not bored. It’s important to serve eggshells separately from regular feed and provide them in a way that encourages natural feeding behaviors. If you keep your chickens’ diet well-balanced with high-quality food you will see the positive effects of adding eggshells to their routine leading to happier healthier chickens and plenty of nutritious eggs!
