I don't use oyster shells at all. If you are using a complete 16+ layer ration it has more than the required calcium in it. Usually you get a hen that lays thin shelled eggs because they have a mineral deficiency--Boron and Magnesium. These minerals unlock many of the other nutrients so the body can use other minerals properly. These two minerals main impact is to direct the body to use calcium properly. Many people have this very same problem-bone spurs-calcium deposits inside joints and the muscles usually due to deficiency in the above two minerals. Here is a bit of information about boron: "The Poultry Institute observed that adding boron to mixed feed grains for chickens improves bone development and calcium metabolism. It also found that boron addition changed the bone development, blood and stress parameters and that cholesterol levels of chickens are lowered thanks to boron. The cholesterol lowering capability of boron is now being studied for application in humans." http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=151242 Here is a bit about magnesium Deficiency: "Calcification of Soft Tissue Including Heart Valve" http://www.ctds.info/5_13_magnesium.html Science is beginning to unlock the long debated issues of the importance of vitamins/minerals in all life forms and the lack of many of these in the foods we all consume-even the people who eat only organic suffer from many deficiencies. If these building blocks (minerals) are not in the soil it can not be in the food grown in it (just that simple). Back to the thin shelled layer-if you're providing all that is required for proper egg production and she doesn't comply maybe soup is the proper place for her-sometime there are genetically related problems that can and do block the body from properly using calcium and you may never be able to get her to lay good strong shelled eggs.

Cathy, I just stumbled across your cage master plan. Note that none of the 3 message titles about this would lead the casual forum reader to know about the project, and there are far more casual readers than posters! Rather than losing the project and your considerable efforts to the forum ether, let's put it in the FAQ along with the other cage. I have copied your text instructions. I think we should wait until the cage is complete, screened, and populated with plants rather than show the bare frame as the only image. Other people will be unlikely to duplicate it precisely; it is the general appearance and major construction tips that count. The FAQ is around year after year, the timing of the project is not critical for this year only. Please use "butterfly cage" as part of any future message titles so that I and others will be alert to its progress.

Well, Glad Paulines made it! My dinner party went GREAT!!! So great in fact, that today DH and I have reversed roles. He was nagging me about making a list of all the kitchen things that still have to be done, and email them to our kitchen guy. (For those that may not have followed all my posts, I am doing the GC of a total house reno, and our kitchen has been one fiasco after another, dealing with a supply company, and DIY most of the work.) HA, usually it is me frustrated with delays and chomping at the bit, and my hubby is "Alan is doing his best, don't bug him...". Today I am so mellow, even DH harping can't get me down! And that was entertaining in a LR with plywood floors, no granite on the pony wall, and drywall sheets leaning against the fireplace 'hole'. But to me, with ALL the walls painted, (we were still applying the final coat late Sat afternoon!), and all the mess cleaned up, furniture polished and drywall dust vanquished, I felt like I was in Shangrila! But kitchen (even though not 100% done), was the shining star, and it was so much FUN!!! I am so excited about this new phase of our lives, sharing meals with friends and family is going to be so much better! (And our house has always been the 'place' to host parties, but usually in summer, cuz I have a pretty fabulous garden and a huge deck) Sorry for the gushing- but it's such a neat feeling to have all the planning and work come to fruition. Feel kinda bad that it was still a shambles when kids were home for Christmas.

Got an update on the cake. The birthday girl loved it, thank goodness! She ended up taking it up to Chili's where they met some people for dinner. Apparently, the servers even got some as they were impressed with the layers. Carolyn said they came back and asked for a second piece to share with the other kitchen staff! And to top it off, one of Carolyn's friends wants to place and order with me for another cake. Thanks again guys for all the encouragement. Oh, and Joe, I'm still LOL at your compliments on my glasses and old pink apron. You made my day! Here's a pic Carolyn took of the cake after it was cut.