Bake Egg Shells for Chickens: Calcium Guide

Eggshells, a readily available resource from your kitchen, are a valuable calcium supplement for laying hens, and the process to bake egg shells for chickens effectively addresses calcium deficiency in poultry diets. Chicken keepers often employ this method, as sufficient calcium intake directly influences the quality of eggs produced, ensuring strong shells and healthy chicks. Backyard chickens, particularly those actively laying, require a consistent supply of calcium, and supplementing their feed with properly prepared eggshells, sourced from their own eggs or from commercial sources, is a cost-effective strategy.

Baking Egg Shells for Chickens: A Calcium Guide for Healthy Hens

Providing your chickens with adequate calcium is crucial for their overall health and especially for producing strong, healthy eggshells. While commercially available calcium supplements exist, baking and feeding eggshells back to your flock is a cost-effective and sustainable solution. This guide explains everything you need to know about baking eggshells for chickens, from preparation to serving.

Why Eggshells as Calcium Source?

• Natural Source: Eggshells are almost entirely composed of calcium carbonate, the same compound used in many commercial calcium supplements. Using eggshells provides a natural and bioavailable source of this essential mineral.

• Reduces Waste: Reusing eggshells is an environmentally friendly way to reduce waste and repurpose a byproduct that would otherwise end up in the trash.

• Cost-Effective: By using eggshells, you can significantly reduce the need to purchase expensive calcium supplements, particularly if you have a large flock.

Step-by-Step Guide: Baking and Preparing Eggshells

Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly bake and prepare eggshells for your chickens:

1. Collect and Rinse: As you use eggs, save the shells. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining egg residue.

2. Remove the Membrane: Carefully peel away the thin membrane on the inside of the eggshell. This step is crucial as the membrane can harbor bacteria. While it’s challenging to remove all of it, removing the bulk reduces the risk.

3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the eggshells in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. This process sterilizes the shells, killing any harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Properly baked shells will become brittle.

4. Cool: Allow the baked eggshells to cool completely on the baking sheet.

5. Crush: Once cooled, crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can use a food processor, blender, or simply crush them by hand. The goal is to create a grit-like texture that chickens can easily ingest. Avoid creating a fine powder, as this can be less palatable to chickens.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Baking

Baking is a non-negotiable step. It accomplishes two key things:

• Sterilization: The heat kills harmful bacteria that may be present on the shells. This is vital for preventing disease in your flock.
• Improved Digestibility: Baking makes the calcium in the eggshells more bioavailable, meaning that chickens can absorb it more efficiently.

How to Serve Baked Eggshells to Your Chickens

There are several ways to offer the prepared eggshells to your chickens:

• Free Choice: Provide the crushed eggshells in a separate container, like a small bowl or feeder, alongside their regular feed. This allows chickens to consume the shells as needed, fulfilling their individual calcium requirements.

• Mix with Feed: You can also mix the crushed eggshells directly into their regular feed. Start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you find the right balance for your flock.

• Oyster Shell Supplement: Offering oyster shell as a second free choice supplement alongside the baked egg shells can address the hen’s needs effectively, providing a good alternative when egg shells are unavailable.

Calculating Calcium Needs and Supplementation

While eggshells are a great calcium source, it’s important to ensure your chickens are getting the correct amount. Here’s a general guideline:

Stage of Life	Calcium Requirement
Chicks (0-18 weeks)	Not Required
Laying Hens	4-5% of diet

This is a general guideline, so always observe your hens. Thin or soft eggshells are a clear indication of calcium deficiency. Monitor the eggshell quality to adjust the amount of eggshells you are feeding.

Important Considerations

• Avoid Feeding Raw Eggshells: Never feed raw eggshells to your chickens. This can attract rodents and encourage egg-eating behavior, as the chickens may associate the shells with the taste of eggs.
• Grind Size: Ensure the eggshells are crushed into small pieces and not a fine powder. Fine powder can be less palatable and may not provide the necessary grit for digestion.
• Freshness: Regularly replace the eggshells in the feeder to ensure they are clean and fresh.
• Water Availability: Always provide fresh, clean water alongside the eggshells, as water is essential for calcium absorption.

So, next time you’re whipping up an omelet, don’t toss those shells! Baking egg shells for chickens is a simple and cost-effective way to supplement their calcium intake, leading to stronger eggs and healthier birds. Happy baking, and happy chickens!