6 Best Elevated Oyster Shell Feeders For Turkeys Old Farmers Swear By

You toss a scoop of pricey oyster shell on the ground for your laying turkey hens, and within an hour, it’s scratched into the dirt, fouled, and completely wasted. Providing free-choice calcium is non-negotiable for strong eggshells, but watching your money get turned into bedding is frustrating. The right feeder solves this problem entirely, keeping the shells clean, accessible, and off the ground where they belong.

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Why Elevated Feeders Prevent Oyster Shell Waste

Turkeys are natural foragers, which means they scratch. Anything you put on the ground—feed, grit, or oyster shell—will be kicked around, mixed with droppings, and buried in bedding in no time. This isn’t just messy; it’s a significant waste of money and a potential health risk.

An elevated feeder, mounted on a wall or post, lifts the oyster shell out of the "scratch zone." By placing it at about the height of the turkey’s back, you make it easily accessible for eating but difficult to contaminate. The birds can dip their heads in to get what they need without being able to kick their feet into the container.

This simple change has a huge impact. Your oyster shell stays clean and dry, so the turkeys are more likely to eat it when their bodies tell them they need calcium. You’ll stop throwing away contaminated shell, meaning a single bag lasts dramatically longer, directly saving you money and ensuring your hens lay eggs with strong, solid shells.

Farm-Tuff PVC Gravity Grit Feeder for Durability

When you need something that just plain works and can take a beating, a gravity feeder made from PVC pipe is tough to beat. These are often simple, vertical tubes with a J- or T-shaped opening at the bottom. You fill the top, and gravity keeps the opening full of fresh oyster shell. There are no moving parts to break and the thick PVC is virtually indestructible.

The biggest advantage here is durability and low maintenance. You can fill a three-foot section of 4-inch PVC pipe and it might last your flock for weeks. It’s also completely waterproof, making it a great option for mounting on a fence post in the run. You can buy them pre-made or build one yourself in about fifteen minutes with basic tools.

The only real downside is that very fine or dusty oyster shell can sometimes compact and clog the opening, especially in damp weather. A quick poke with a stick usually fixes it. Make sure the opening is wide enough for a turkey’s head but not so large that they can rake all the shells out onto the ground.

Little Giant Wall-Mount Grit Feeder for Small Pens

In a small coop, brooder, or turkey tractor, floor space is gold. A wall-mounted feeder is the perfect solution, and the classic plastic models like those from Little Giant are a common sight for a reason. They are lightweight, inexpensive, and designed to hang securely from a screw or nail on any vertical surface.

These feeders are ideal for flocks of just a few birds. The small capacity means you’ll refill it more often, but it also prevents the oyster shell from sitting around for months. The plastic is easy to pop off the wall and wash out, which is a big plus for maintaining good hygiene in a tight space.

Of course, plastic isn’t as tough as steel or PVC. A determined tom or a particularly rowdy hen might eventually crack it, and years of sun exposure can make the plastic brittle. But for the price and the space-saving convenience, it’s a fantastic choice for the small-scale turkey keeper.

Tough-Built Galvanized Steel Feeder: Rust-Proof

If you believe in buying things once, a galvanized steel feeder is your answer. These are the workhorses of the farm world. The zinc coating on the steel prevents rust, so you can mount it inside or outside without worrying about it degrading over the seasons. It’s also completely chew-proof and strong enough to withstand being jostled by a 30-pound tom.

The weight and rigidity of steel are its main assets. It won’t get knocked off the wall easily, and the birds can’t damage it by pecking. Many designs feature a lipped edge or a wire grid that helps prevent the turkeys from swiping the shells out onto the floor, further reducing waste.

The tradeoff is cost and weight. Galvanized feeders are more expensive upfront than their plastic or PVC counterparts. They are also heavier, so you need to ensure you’re mounting them to a solid stud or fence post, not just a thin piece of plywood. For a permanent, long-term setup, the investment is well worth it.

WeatherGuard Covered Shell Dispenser for Outdoors

Leaving oyster shell in an open container outdoors is a recipe for a solid, useless brick of calcium after the first big rain. A feeder specifically designed with a cover or hood is essential for any uncovered run. This feature protects the contents from rain, snow, and even the morning dew, keeping the shell loose and palatable.

The best designs have a deep, angled hood that allows a turkey to get its head in but keeps precipitation out. Some models even have a rain channel that directs water away from the opening. This is a critical feature for ensuring your flock has 24/7 access to calcium, regardless of the weather.

The key is finding a balance between protection and access. A hood that is too deep or an opening that is too small might deter a timid bird. Watch your flock when you first install it to make sure everyone can comfortably use it. A well-designed covered feeder means you can "set it and forget it" for weeks at a time.

FlockMaster High-Capacity Trough for Large Flocks

When you have more than a half-dozen turkeys, competition at a small feeder can be an issue. A dominant bird can easily guard a single-opening feeder, preventing others from getting the calcium they need. This is where a long trough-style feeder excels, as it provides enough space for multiple birds to eat peacefully at the same time.

Look for a trough that is at least two to three feet long for a decent-sized flock. It should be mounted securely at back-height to prevent tipping. Some of the best ones have a "reel" or a spinning bar on top, which prevents turkeys from perching on the edge and fouling the contents.

Capacity is the other major benefit. A deep trough can hold a significant amount of oyster shell, reducing your daily chores. This is especially helpful if you’re going away for a weekend. Just be sure the trough has drainage holes in case rain blows in, otherwise you’ll end up with a very long, very heavy calcium brick.

Heritage Pine Wood Trough: A Classic DIY Option

Sometimes the best solution is the one you build yourself from scrap lumber in the barn. A simple wooden trough is a time-tested design that costs next to nothing to make and can be customized to the exact size you need. Using untreated pine or cedar, you can construct a sturdy, functional feeder in under an hour.

The beauty of a DIY wooden feeder is its adaptability. You can make it as long, deep, or wide as you need for your flock and your space. Adding a spinning dowel on top to keep birds from roosting on it is an easy modification. This is the ultimate option for the hobby farmer who values practicality and self-sufficiency over a store-bought look.

Wood does have its drawbacks. It absorbs moisture more than plastic or metal, so it requires more frequent cleaning to prevent mold or mildew, especially in damp climates. It will also eventually rot if left exposed to the elements, though a feeder kept inside a dry coop can last for many years. For a simple, effective, and nearly free solution, it remains a classic.

Key Features in a Turkey-Proof Oyster Shell Feeder

Choosing the right feeder comes down to matching its features to your specific flock and setup. There isn’t one "perfect" feeder, but the best ones share a few key characteristics. Thinking through these points will help you make a smart purchase or build a better DIY version.

When you’re evaluating your options, look for these critical features:

• Elevation: The feeder must be mounted off the ground, ideally at the height of an adult turkey’s back, to prevent scratching and contamination.
• Durability: Turkeys are big, strong birds. The material—be it heavy-duty PVC, galvanized steel, or thick lumber—needs to withstand pecking and jostling.
• Waste Prevention: Look for features like lipped edges, deep troughs, or smaller openings that make it difficult for birds to rake or flick the shells out.
• Capacity: Choose a size appropriate for your flock. A larger capacity feeder saves you labor, but a smaller one ensures the shell is always fresh for a small flock.
• Weather Resistance: If the feeder will be outdoors, a cover or hood is non-negotiable to keep the contents dry and prevent clumping.

Ultimately, the goal is a feeder that makes it easy for your turkeys to get the calcium they need and hard for them to waste it. Any design that achieves that is a winner.

Investing in a proper elevated feeder isn’t just about keeping the coop tidy; it’s a direct investment in your flock’s health and your own bottom line. By eliminating waste, you ensure every penny you spend on supplements goes toward producing strong, healthy birds and perfect eggs. Choose the right feeder for your setup, and you’ll solve the problem of wasted oyster shell for good.