Otter Co-op - Pure Oyster Shells 22.68kg

Pacific Pearl Oyster Shell is a high-purity calcium source engineered for agricultural excellence. Oyster Shells are a source of calcium used in egg layer feed, broiler layer and turkey breeder feed rations. Its main purpose is to build strong eggshells and develop strong bones and reduce bone fragility in poultry. Hens fed oyster shells have been shown to reduce total manure moisture and improve fly control. Known for enhancing poultry vitality to optimizing soil chemistry, its unique porous structure ensures superior performance across multiple applications. Pacific Pearl Oyster Shell serves as a premium, high-calcium supplement (36–39% calcium) for poultry. Composed of over 96% calcium carbonate, these crushed shells strengthen eggshells and bone density while naturally raising soil pH. Laying hens require approximately 4 grams of calcium per day, particularly during peak laying periods. This amount can be provided by offering free-choice oyster shells in a separate feeder or mixing it directly into their feed. Be sure to observe your flock’s consumption and adjust as necessary to maintain healthy production rates. Pairing oyster shells with a balanced feed ensures your hens receive all necessary vitamins, protein, and energy for sustained health. Consider supplementing with grit for optimal digestion, especially if your hens forage for additional nutrients.

Primary Applications

Poultry Nutrition: Maximum-strength supplement that fortifies bone density and produces premium, crack-resistant eggshells in chickens and turkeys.

Soil Optimization: A high-efficiency alternative to standard agricultural lime. It effectively raises soil pH, improves tilth (structure), and unlocks critical nutrient uptake for crops.

Livestock & Estate Care: Utilized to neutralize odors and maintain freshness in livestock stalls, or as a durable, decorative landscaping material.

The Pacific Advantage

Superior Composition: Unlike standard limestone, these crushed, flake-shaped shells provide a timed-release calcium delivery, staying in the gizzard longer for optimal absorption. Their slow-release properties ensure they remain in the gizzard longer than limestone, providing superior digestibility.

Product Specifications

Physical Characteristics: Derived from authentic Pacific Oysters, known for their thick, mineral-dense, and rugged shells harvested from temperate coastal estuaries.

Market-Ready Packaging: Available for large-scale use in 25 kg bags for commercial operations and poultry enthusiasts.

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Product Name: Pacific Pearl Oyster Shell

Product Category: Nutritional Feed Supplement & Soil Amendment

Origin: Crushed Pacific Oyster Shell (Magallana gigas)

Product Overview

Pacific Pearl Oyster Shell is a premium, high-purity source of calcium carbonate. Specifically processed into a crushed, porous, flake-like form, it is designed for maximum bioavailability in livestock and long-term pH stability in horticultural applications.

Chemical Composition & Physical Properties

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3): >96%

Elemental Calcium (Ca): 36% – 39%

Form: Crushed, porous flakes with sharp/wavy edges

Solubility: Slow release (Timed-release)

Odor: Neutral/Fresh

Key Functional Benefits

Animal Nutrition (Poultry & Game Birds)

Shell Integrity: Drastically reduces egg loss by improving thickness and fracture toughness.

Skeletal Health: Supports high-density bone development, particularly in high-production layers and turkeys.

Gizzard Retention: The flake-shaped morphology ensures the material remains in the gizzard longer than powdered limestone, providing a steady "trickle-feed" of calcium during the night-time shell-building cycle.

Agronomy & Soil Science

pH Regulation: Acts as a high-grade agricultural lime to neutralize acidic soils.

Soil Tilth: Improves physical soil structure and aeration.

Nutrient Bioavailability: Enhances the cation exchange capacity, allowing plants to uptake nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium more efficiently.

Sanitation & Landscaping

Moisture Control: Used in stalls and pens to absorb moisture and neutralize ammonia odors.

Aesthetic Durability: Resistant to rapid weathering; ideal for high-end coastal-themed landscaping.

Handling & Storage

Store in a cool, dry location. Keep packaging sealed when not in use to prevent environmental contamination. This product is non-toxic and environmentally safe.

Steam processing eliminates pathogens and contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe product. This is especially important in maintaining biosecurity for your flock.