[jackie]

hi, i live at walton on the naze and was wondering if the shells on the beach would be suitable to give to my hens. obviously i would wash them and break them into small pieces first but was wondering if this would be suitable for them instead of buying bags of it. any advice would be welcome, thanks

[treacleminer]

I think some shell types are more soluble than others - so most quality shell sold for hens seems to be oyster shell!  It isn't very expensive and does last a long time. 

[Roughlee Handled]

You need oyster shells as as treacleminer says (hello by the way treacleminer) it is more soluble. Most stores sell cockle shell as oyster shells and sell it to big for hens to eat let alone digest.  Your warned. If you want to save money. Save your egg shells and nuke them in the microwave (with a mug of water) to kill bugs and crush up and add to feed.

I use FINE OYSTER SHELL GRIT 25KGS

[alisonwo]

My hubby loves oysters, so I wash and bake the shells before crushing for the girls.