Eggshell grit is another do-it-yourself project that is a FREE way to RECYCLE something you have readily available. Though there is some debate about whether the soluble calcium in eggshells will be harmful or beneficial to your chickens (in my case, layers), I stick by my farm motto, "You pays your money and you take your chances!" I know this, since day one, my chicken eggs have had nice hard shells. Eggshell grit does not take the place of insoluble grit, needed for gizzard function. My chickens are pastured, and have a sand-filled dust bath, so, they forage their grit from these sources. [For caged or penned poultry, you may provide a free choice cup of oyster shell.]
Here is what I do to make eggshell grit:
After the raw eggs are emptied, I rinse the inside of the egg to remove any residue,
and place the shells on newsprint to air dry.
After a large amount collects, I put them in a glass bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
You may have to adjust the time based on the wattage of your microwave. Don't burn the shells, but, if you do, just break off the burnt areas and continue. Once they have cooled a bit, put them in the food processor and pulse until fine, or crush with a rolling pin.
For boiled or steamed eggs, you can skip the microwave part!
If I provide the egg shells "free choice" it is consumed very readily or wasted. So, I have started adding the shells to the [fermented] feed just before I serve it. [Approx. 2 T. eggshell grit per 2.75 cups of 16% protein (dry) feed ration, total recipe for 8 chickens]. See Fermented Feed page for more information.
Storage::
Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze excess for later use.
Eggshell grit is also good in the Mealworm Farm.
See my page, Mealworm Farm,
if you are interested in feeding these insects to your chickens!
You can also add this to your mealworm diet. (as well as brush your teeth with it)
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