Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Feed Oyster Shell

Product Overview

Description

Wicked Feed Oyster Shell is a natural, crushed calcium supplement derived from cleaned, processed oyster shells. This essential poultry supplement provides the bioavailable calcium laying hens need to produce strong, thick-shelled eggs consistently throughout their laying cycle. Unlike calcium carbite or limestone alternatives, oyster shell breaks down slowly in the gizzard, providing a steady release of calcium that matches the hen's natural egg-formation cycle—most calcium absorption occurs overnight when the shell is being formed. The coarse, irregular granule size encourages natural grit-seeking behavior and aids in mechanical digestion within the gizzard. Wicked Feed Oyster Shell is thoroughly cleaned and heat-processed to eliminate contaminants while preserving the natural calcium carbonate structure. With approximately 96% calcium carbonate content, this supplement addresses the #1 nutritional deficiency in backyard flocks and helps prevent soft shells, shell-less eggs, and calcium depletion that can lead to health issues in productive hens.

Highlights

96% calcium carbonate for maximum bioavailability | Slow-release formula matches natural egg formation | Coarse granules support gizzard function | Heat-processed for purity and safety | Prevents soft shells and shell-less eggs | Supports bone health in laying hens | Natural oyster shell source—no synthetic additives | Free-choice feeding allows self-regulation | Essential for peak egg production | Helps prevent egg binding and calcium deficiency

Nutritional Support

Egg Shell Quality: Directly addresses thin shells, soft shells, shell-less eggs, and rough/pitted shell texture | Calcium Deficiency: Corrects and prevents hypocalcemia in actively laying birds | Egg Binding Prevention: Adequate calcium reduces risk of eggs getting stuck in the reproductive tract | Bone Density: Supports skeletal health and prevents osteoporosis in high-production layers | Reproductive Health: Calcium is essential for proper muscle contractions during egg laying | Feather Pecking Reduction: Birds sometimes peck due to mineral deficiencies; proper calcium can reduce this behavior | Layer Fatigue: Prevents cage layer fatigue and leg weakness caused by calcium depletion | Post-Molt Recovery: Supports hens returning to production after molting when calcium demands spike | Chronic Laying Support: Helps sustain shell quality in older hens or breeds with extended laying cycles | Stress Recovery: Supports birds recovering from heat stress, predator attacks, or relocation when egg quality often suffers

CLASSIFICATION: Supplement — NOT a feed or food source | WHAT THIS MEANS: Oyster shell is purely a calcium supplement with virtually no caloric, protein, or other nutritional value beyond calcium carbonate. It cannot replace any portion of a bird's actual feed and serves only to fill a specific mineral gap that layer feed alone often cannot meet during active production. | HOW TO USE: Offer free-choice in a separate container — never mix into feed. Birds self-regulate intake based on their individual calcium needs. Oyster shell works alongside complete layer feed (16% protein) which contains baseline calcium but often not enough for peak production. | WHY SEPARATE FROM FEED: Mixing calcium into feed removes the bird's ability to self-regulate. Roosters, chicks, and non-laying hens don't need supplemental calcium and overconsumption causes health issues. Free-choice lets each bird take only what they need. | WHAT TO PAIR WITH: Complete layer feed (16% protein, formulated for laying hens) | Fresh water always available | Insoluble grit (granite) for birds without access to natural ground | Protein supplements during molt if needed

KIDNEY DAMAGE — NON-LAYING BIRDS: Roosters, chicks, and non-producing hens cannot process excess calcium efficiently. Chronic overconsumption leads to visceral gout, calcium deposits in organs, and kidney failure. This is why free-choice feeding in a separate container is critical — it allows laying hens to access calcium while other flock members naturally avoid it. | HYPERCALCEMIA — CHICKS & GROWERS: Young birds fed layer feed or given access to oyster shell before point of lay (18+ weeks) can develop bone abnormalities, kidney damage, and growth issues. Keep oyster shell away from brooder areas and growing pens. | SHELL DEPOSITS INTERNALLY — LAYERS: Extremely rare, but hens with reproductive abnormalities who overconsume calcium may develop calcium deposits in the oviduct. Monitor any hens with chronic laying issues. | REDUCED FEED INTAKE — ALL POULTRY: Birds filling up on oyster shell may reduce consumption of complete feed, leading to protein and other nutritional deficiencies. If you notice birds heavily consuming oyster shell, evaluate whether layer feed quality is adequate. | GOUT — WATERFOWL: Ducks and geese can be particularly susceptible to gout from calcium excess. Offer oyster shell only to actively laying females and remove access during off-season. | NOT A TOXICITY RISK AT NORMAL CONSUMPTION: Healthy laying hens self-regulating intake will not overconsume. Risks apply primarily to wrong life stages, wrong species, or forced consumption through feed mixing.

Key Facts

Common Animals

Chickens | Ducks | Quail | Turkeys | Geese | Guinea Fowl

Intended Use

Wicked Feed Oyster Shell should be offered free-choice in a separate container from regular feed, allowing hens to self-regulate their calcium intake based on individual needs—laying hens instinctively consume more calcium when actively producing eggs. Place oyster shell in a dedicated dish, hopper, or mounted container within the coop or run where birds can access it at all times. Do not mix directly into feed, as this prevents hens from regulating intake and may cause non-laying birds (roosters, chicks, non-productive hens) to overconsume calcium, potentially leading to kidney issues. For active laying hens, expect consumption of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 ounce per bird daily, though individual intake varies based on laying frequency, diet, and age. Begin offering oyster shell when pullets reach 18 weeks or show signs of approaching lay. Particularly important during peak production seasons (spring/summer) and for breeds known for high egg output. Supplement alongside a complete layer feed for optimal results. Store in a dry location to prevent clumping. Monitor shell quality regularly—thin or rough shells indicate hens may need increased access or that oyster shell supply needs replenishing.

Animals To Use With

LAYING HENS: Place oyster shell in a separate container mounted at bird height or in a dedicated dish away from feed and water. Refill when low—never let container go empty during active laying periods. Hens will self-regulate; expect increased consumption during spring and summer peak laying. | DUCKS: Offer in a shallow dish near the water source. Laying ducks have similar calcium needs to chickens and will consume oyster shell readily. Keep container clean as ducks tend to splash water. | QUAIL & GAME BIRDS: Use crushed or smaller-grade oyster shell if available, or allow birds to peck at standard size. Place in a low dish accessible to smaller birds. Particularly important for Coturnix quail in production. | TURKEYS: Breeding and laying turkey hens benefit from free-choice oyster shell access. Offer in sturdy containers that won't tip, as turkeys are larger and more vigorous eaters. | GEESE: Laying geese should have access during breeding season. Offer in heavy containers near their normal feeding area.

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