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Being a chicken owner, I’m always trying to find different ways to provide the very best for my feathered friends. Providing them the calcium they need to keep their bones healthy and strong is a big part of chicken care. I always use to use Oyster shells and would throw my used egg shells away. But then I learned there are SO many benefits to saving and using egg shells from our chickens and ducks. One of those is an easy and cost-effective way to provide calcium by feeding the egg shells back to your flock!

Eggshells are rich in calcium. About 95% in fact! Providing calcium is essential for egg production and overall bone health in chickens and ducks. Feeding your chickens eggshells is also an environmentally friendly option, as it reduces waste and repurposes them.

As I use eggs for my own cooking needs, I rinse them off with water and place them on a dish to air dry. Once they fully dry, I place them into a gallon sized silicone bag and place them in the freezer to limit any bacteria build up. I continue this process until I have 3-4 bags filled.

Now it’s time to prepare the eggshells for your chickens!
Start by preheating your oven to 400’F.
Spread the eggshells on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake at 400’F for 8-10 minutes or until edges of shells start to turn golden brown.

Once baked, I use my food processor to grind them into fine pieces. If you don’t have a food processor you can use a blender or crush them into small pieces with a rolling pin.

I provide our chickens and ducks with a separate container for their eggshells and they can eat them as they need. I use a mineral bucket for the eggshells. Eggshells on one side grit on the other.

I always keep a bag of Oyster shells on hand in case I run out of eggshells.

By incorporating eggshells into your chicken’s diet, you can help keep them healthy and happy while also reducing waste in your own home! It’s a win win!

I hope you found this article helpful! Be sure to check out my other chicken-related articles!
A Beginners Guide To Raising Baby Chicks