Preparing Eggshells

[CathyCraftz]

Which is the best way of preparing eggshells? I dry mine in the sun for about a week then crumble them for my finches to eat. Are there any other ways of cleaning them?

[E Orix]

Bake them in the oven

[CathyCraftz]

Bake them in the oven

Yes, but for how long and what temperature?

[Tiaris]

Zap in microwave for 2 minutes

[gomer]

I prefer to Bake in oven. About 180- 200 degrees 20 minutes. You will tell if they are over done they look burnt. I would not bother to fire up the oven for less then a dozen eggs.

[shnapper20]

I wash them straight away so all the white is removed from the shell ie the clear fluid which turns white when you cook it. I leave them to dry out on the sink, once dry I microwave for 2-3 min depending on how powerful the microwave is.

[Craig52]

I do the same Shnapper, it's quickest and easiest way though it freaks me out when start crackling and popping in the microwave. Craig

[garyh]

I do the same as Craig and Snapper but be very careful with the power of your microwave as i had to purchased a new one , i burnt the egg shells ,the stink was unbelievable and the look on the wife was so bit by bit till you get it right,garyh

[Rod_L]

boil egg for 10minutes, eat egg give shell to bird.

[mickenglish]

Out of an abundance of caution, I wait until I have maybe a dozen shells which I bake in the oven at 180 deg C for 30 minutes. I have been advised that the calcium remains intact through the process. I then smash them in a coffee grinder. Seems to work OK. I have tried putting out half-shells but my snappers ignore them, preferring the ground-up shells.