How Backyard Chicken Owners Can Reuse Egg Shells

Eggshell. Shell of eggs on concrete kitchen tableRaising backyard chickens means you’ll often end up with a lot of eggs. That means you’ll also ends up with a lot of eggshells. Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can get creative and resourceful. There are plenty of ways to reuse eggshells around the house, the garden, and even for fun projects.

Use Eggshells in the Garden

One of the best ways to reuse eggshells is by giving them to the earth. Crushed eggshells make a great addition to compost piles, providing valuable calcium and other minerals to the soil. You can also scatter them directly into garden beds. Not only do they break down and nourish the soil, but they also help deter certain pests like slugs and snails that don’t like crawling over the sharp edges.

Feed Them Back to Your Chickens

Believe it or not, eggshells can be a source of extra calcium for your flock. After washing and baking the shells at a low temperature to kill off any bacteria, crush them into smaller pieces and mix them with the chickens’ feed. The calcium helps promote strong eggshells in future layers. Just make sure the shells are thoroughly crush so the chickens don’t start associating the whole eggs with food.

Make Homemade Cleaners or Scrubs

Eggshells have a gritty texture that makes them a handy natural abrasive. By grinding them into a powder and mixing them with a bit of baking soda, you can create an eco-friendly scrub for pots, pans, and sinks. It’s a simple, yet sustainable way to clean without harsh chemicals—and it’s one more reason to keep those shells out of the trash.

Try Creative Crafts and Decorating

Eggshells are surprisingly versatile for creative projects. You can dye them and use them for Easter decorations, create mosaic art, or even use the halves as mini planters for seedlings. If you’re into DIY or decorating with a rustic flair, eggshells offer endless possibilities.

Reusing eggshells is just another small way you can make the most out of backyard chicken ownership. It’s sustainable, economical, and even a little fun. If you’re looking to add more feathered friends to your flock, Chickens for Backyards has the variety and quality you can count on. Contact us today to learn more!