How to Feed Chickens Eggshells

Chickens need calcium, among other nutrients, to lay eggs that have strong, healthy shells. These shells stand up to the stress of laying and handling. Weaker egg shells can break in the nest or while being collected and cleaned. Most commercially-produced eggs come from chickens that are fed a carefully formulated and balanced diet containing enough calcium to make strong eggshells. Ground oyster shells are often fed as a calcium supplement. Small farm poultry producers sometimes feed crushed eggshells to provide extra calcium at no cost.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal tray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect eggshells.

    • 2

      Wash the eggshells thoroughly.

    • 3

      Place the eggshells on a metal tray.

    • 4

      Place the tray of eggshells in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven for one hour.

    • 5

      Remove eggshells from the oven and allow to cool.

    • 6

      Crush the eggshells into very small pieces. This can be done by placing them in an empty cereal box (the shells will pierce a plastic bag) and flattening it with your hands, a rolling pin or other heavy object. Make sure the pieces are very small, both to allow for digestion and so the chickens don't recognize them as eggshells.

    • 7

      Feed the eggshells mixed with other feed or oyster shells, or in a separate pan that they can pick at as they choose.