11 Really Important Uses-Why You Shouldn’t be Throwing Eggshells Away

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BE THROWING EGGSHELLS AWAY

Most of us don’t even give it a second thought when we toss our egg shells into the garbage can. There are several reasons why you why you shouldn’t be throwing eggshells away. Eggshells contain so many beneficial ingredients that can be utilized in a variety of ways in a persons life. Read on to find out about the many uses for eggshells.

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Instead of tossing egg shells into the trash, save them. This article will open your eyes as to how you can use your leftover chicken eggshells in ways that will benefit:

  • Your Body
  • Your Health
  • Animals
  • Your Mind
  • Your Garden
  • Home
  • Your Environment

IMPORTANT Step by Step Instructions BEFORE Using Egg Shells

In order to kill all bacteria from the egg shells, it is important to follow these instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
  2. Cook egg shells for 10 minutes. (*This will kill any harmful bacteria.)
  3. Let the egg shells cool.
  4. Crush the egg shells up until it becomes a powder. This can be done by using a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, use the bottom of a glass.
  5. 1/2 tsp. of powdered egg shells is equivalent to about 1000 mg. of calcium. This is about 1/2 of an egg shell.

*IF USING EGG SHELLS IN A COMPOST PILE, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO STERILIZE THE EGG SHELLS.

1. Calcium Boost for Your Smoothies (Recipe)

CRUSHED EGG SHELL CALCIUM BOOST SMOOTHIE
CRUSHED EGG SHELL CALCIUM BOOST SMOOTHIE

According to the American Egg Board, the shell of the egg is composed of calcium carbonate (about 94%) with small amounts of magnesium carbonate, calcium phosphate and other organic matter, including protein.

USDA

Fruit Smoothie With Calcium Boost – Recipe

  • 1/2 CUP MILK (COULD SUBSTITUTE MILK WITH ORANGE JUICE)
  • 1/2 CUP YOGURT(FRUIT FLAVORED OR PLAIN)
  • 1 CUP FROZEN FRUIT
  • *1/2 tsp CRUSHED EGG SHELL POWDER (SEE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO MAKE CRUSHED EGG SHELL POWDER BELOW)

Don’t just throw eggshells in your smoothie without drying it out and cooking it in your oven! Follow these instructions for the proper way of using egg shells in your smoothie.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
  2. Cook egg shells for 10 minutes. (This will kill any harmful bacteria.)
  3. Let the egg shells cool.
  4. Crush the egg shells up until it becomes a powder. This can be done by adding it to your blender before adding the wet ingredients of your smoothie.
  5. 1/2 tsp. of powdered egg shells is equivalent to about 1000 mg. of calcium. This is about 1/2 of an egg shell.

Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend for 30 seconds. Enjoy!

Half of an egg shell contains enough calcium that is recommended for the average adult to consume in one day. An easy way of getting this into your daily diet is to add powdered egg shells to your smoothie.

Depending upon your age, your body requires a different amount of calcium in order to maintain healthy bones and teeth.

According to the National Institutes of Health the recommended daily calcium is the following:

AGERECOMMENDED
DAILY CALCIUM
ADULTS 19-50 1000 MG
ADULTS 51-70 MEN 1000 MG
ADULTS 51-70 WOMEN 1200 MG
ADULTS 71+ 1200 MG
PREGNANT AND
BREASTFEEDING TEEN
1300 MG
PREGNANT AND
BREASTFEEDING ADULT
1000 MG

2. Skincare (Recipe)

Why you shouldn't be throwing eggshells away. WASH FACE WITH CRUSHED EGG SHELLS
WASH FACE WITH CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

Crushed Egg Shells and Apple Cider Vinegar Skincare Recipe

STEP 1 MIX 1/2 CUP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
(WITH THE MOTHER) AND 1 TBS
POWDERED EGG SHELLS.
STEP 2LET SET FOR 24 HOURS.(UNTIL
EGGSHELLS COMPLETELY
DISSOLVED)
STEP 3DIP A COTTON BALL INTO
THE MIXTURE AND DAB
ONTO YOUR BLEMISHES.
STEP 4LET SIT ON YOUR FACE
FOR 5-10 MINUTES.
STEP 5GENTLY RINSE YOUR FACE
WITH WARM WATER.

Apple Cider Vinegar has many beneficial uses when it comes to skincare:

  • Antifungal
  • Antibacterial
  • Antiviral
  • Decreases Skin Inflammation

Crushed Egg Shells and Egg White Mask

  1. Sanitize the egg shells by cooking them at 350℉ for 10 minutes.
  2. Cool.
  3. Crush using a food processor. (Turn it into a powder.)
  4. Add egg white of one egg to 1 TBS egg shell powder.
  5. Gently rub in circular motions over entire entire face, making sure to avoid your eyes.
  6. Let set on face for 10 minutes.
  7. Wash off with warm water.
BENEFITS OF USING
CRUSHED EGG SHELLS
FOR SKINCARE
HYDRATES SKIN
EXFOLIATES (REMOVES
DEAD SKIN CELLS)
HELPS DECREASE
FINE LINES
LIGHTENS BLEMISHES
GIVES YOUR SKIN A
NATURAL GLOW

3. Soothe Aching Joints

STEPSHOW TO SOOTHE
ACHING JOINTS
STEP 1 MIX 1/2 CUP APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
(WITH THE MOTHER) AND 1 TBS
POWDERED EGG SHELLS.
STEP 2LET SET FOR 24 HOURS.(UNTIL
EGGSHELLS COMPLETELY
DISSOLVED)
STEP 3DIP A COTTON BALL INTO
THE MIXTURE AND RUB
INTO YOUR ACHING JOINTS.
STEP 4SEAL THE JAR AND STORE IT
IN YOUR PANTRY FOR UP TO
TWO MONTHS.

Eggshells contain many ingredients that are good for your joints, including:

  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Glucosamine
  • Chondroitin
  • Collagen

4. Calcium Supplement for Chickens (Recipe)

OFFER CRUSHED EGG SHELLS OR OYSTER SHELLS AS A CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT
OFFER CRUSHED EGG SHELLS OR OYSTER SHELLS AS A CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

Laying hens require an increased amount of calcium in order to produce eggs with thick, healthy shells. A chicken that isn’t given adequate calcium will often decrease egg production or produce eggs with very thin shells.

Chicken egg shells contain a high amount of calcium. Instead of throwing away your eggshells, save them and serve them right back to your hens!

How do You Prepare Eggshells for Chickens?

Before serving eggshells back to your chickens, it is important to sterilize them first. Cook them in an oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes, cool, crush and then serve in a separate feeder for them. Chickens will only eat as much as their body needs.

5. Fertilizer in Your Garden

Is Egg Shell a Good Fertilizer?

Eggshells make an excellent natural fertilizer for your garden! Plants, fruits and vegetable plants require calcium and egg shells are high in calcium. Calcium is essential for root and stem formation of your plants as well as stimulates new growth on your plants.

How Do I Prepare Egg Shells for My Garden?

  1. Keep a bucket handy for your eggshells.
  2. When you have enough shells to fill a bucket, it’s time to dry and sterilize them.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
  4. Cook eggshells for 10 minutes.
  5. Cool.
  6. Crush using either a food processor or bottom of a flat glass.
  7. Sprinkle in your garden.
  8. Work the egg shells into the soil.
  9. Water. Calcium will be absorbed systemically, through the plants root system.

What Plants Like Eggshells?

All plants need calcium, but some plants in particular respond well to added calcium:

TOMATOES APPLES
PEPPERS CHERRIES
POTATOES PEACHES
LETTUCE CAULIFLOWER
CABBAGE BROCCOLI
CELERY TOBACCO
CARROTS LEGUMES
BRUSSEL
SPROUTS
PEANUTS
MELONS PEARS
GRAPES COTTON
PLANTS THAT DO WELL WITH ADDED CALCIUM.

6. Start Seedlings in Eggshells

USE EGG SHELLS AS STARTER POTS FOR SEEDLINGS
USE EGGSHELLS AS STARTER POTS FOR SEEDLINGS

Step by Step Instructions: Egg Shell Starter Pots

STEP 1USE EGGSHELLS THAT ARE CRACKED
MOSTLY ON THE TOP. THEY DON’T
HAVE TO BE PERFECT, JUST ABLE TO
HOLD SOME SOIL.
STEP 2GENTLY WASH EGGSHELLS.
STEP 3TAKE A SHARP OBJECT, SUCH AS A
NEEDLE AND PIERCE A SMALL
HOLE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE
SHELL FOR WATER DRAINAGE.
STEP 4ADD GARDEN SOIL.
STEP 5USE A TOOTHPICK TO MAKE A
SMALL INDENTATION IN THE
SOIL TO PLACE A FEW SEEDS.
STEP 6PLACE SEEDS IN THE HOLE AND
GENTLY COVER WITH SOIL.
STEP7PLACE THE EGG IN A CARDBOARD
EGG CARTON.
STEP 8YOU CAN EITHER WRITE DIRECTLY
ON THE EGGSHELL TO IDENTIFY
SEEDLINGS OR USE TOOTHPICKS
WITH LITTLE FLAGS TO IDENTIFY
WHAT THEY ARE.
STEP 9SEEDLINGS ARE READY TO
TRANSPLANT WHEN THEY
GROW 3-4 TRUE LEAVES.
STEP 10GENTLY CRACK THE BOTTOM OF
THE EGGSHELL AND PLACE
THE WHOLE EGG SHELL STARTER
POT INTO THE NEW SOIL.

7. Add Chicken Eggshells to Your Compost Pile

ADD EGG SHELLS TO YOUR COMPOST PILE.
ADD EGGSHELLS TO YOUR COMPOST PILE.

Instead of tossing eggshells into your garbage can, why not help the environment and start a composting pile? Egg shells can simply be tossed into a compost bin and will decompose.

For those of you that are repurposing old pine shavings and chicken manure from your coop to make garden soil, crushed or powdered eggshells can also be tossed into this bin as well.

8. Kids (and Adult) Art Projects

BLOWN OUT EGG FOR ART PROJECT
BLOWN OUT EGG FOR ART PROJECT

There are countless art activities that can be done with your used eggshells. With the variety of egg shell colors out there, you are sure to be able to make some really cool things! Here are just a few:

  • Make Candles
  • Blown Out Eggs
  • Crushed Eggshell Art
  • String Lights Inside of them
  • Make Christmas Tree Ornaments
  • Use as Candy Holders

9. Add to Bird Feeders

Wild birds will benefit with a little crushed eggshells. First, it is a great calcium boost for the female birds. They need added calcium in order to lay eggs with strong, healthy shells.

Secondly, female birds will use crushed eggshells for nesting material.

STEP 1. SAVE USED EGGSHELLS.
STEP 2COOK SHELLS IN OVEN
AT 350℉ FOR 10 MINUTES.
STEP 3COOL.
STEP 4CRUSH WITH A FOOD
PROCESSOR OR BOTTOM
OF A GLASS.
STEP 5SPRINKLE CRUSHED OR
POWDERED EGGSHELL
IN A SEPARATE BOWL.

10. Deter Garden Pests

Crushing dried out eggshells and sprinkling it in your garden helps to deter many crawling garden pests. It works similarly to diatomaceous earth.

Crushed eggshells are sharp to little bugs and create cuts when the bugs crawl over them. These cuts cause many of the bugs to dry out and die, or if it doesn’t kill them, it helps to at least deter them!

GARDEN PESTS
CRUSHED EGG SHELLS
HELP DETER
APHIDS
SNAILS
SLUGS
BEETLES
CENTIPEDES
MILLIPEDES
ANTS
SOME GRUBS

11. Use Eggshells to Remove Stains

USE CRUSHED EGG SHELLS IN YOUR WASH TO WHITEN YOUR LAUNDRY.
USE CRUSHED EGGSHELLS IN YOUR WASH TO HELP WHITEN YOUR LAUNDRY.
STEP 1. SAVE USED EGGSHELLS
STEP 2COOK IN 350℉ OVEN
FOR 10 MINUTES
STEP 3COOL
STEP 4CRUSH EGGSHELLS WITH
BOTTOM OF GLASS
STEP 5ADD CRUSHED EGGSHELLS
TO A MESH BAG
STEP 6THROW MESH BAG INSIDE
WASHING MACHINE WITH
DINGY CLOTHES
-OR-
STEP 6ADD CRUSHED EGGSHELLS
AND WARM WATER
TO STAINED COFFEE MUG
STEP 7EGGSHELLS WILL HELP TO
ABSORB STAINS, LEAVING
THEM MUCH WHITER

Conclusion: 11 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t be Throwing Eggshells Away

Unique Uses of Your Chicken Eggshells

Next time you crack an egg open, think twice before disposing the eggshells into the garbage can. There are so many beneficial ways chicken eggshells can be used.

BENEFITSUSAGES
YOUR BODYFACIAL SCRUB,
FACIAL MASK
YOUR HEALTHCALCIUM SMOOTHIES,
SOOTHE ACHING JOINTS
ANIMALSFEED BACK TO CHICKENS,
WILD BIRDS
YOUR MINDNUMEROUS ART
PROJECTS
YOUR GARDEN1. BENEFICIAL TO PLANT
ROOTS, STEMS AND NEW
LEAF PRODUCTION
2. START SEEDLINGS IN
3. FERTILIZER FOR SOIL
4. DETERS GARDEN PESTS
HOMEREMOVES STAINS FROM
DISHES, LAUNDRY
YOUR ENVIRONMENT ALL NATURAL

For many usages of your chicken eggshells, it is important to cook them first in the oven at 350℉ for 10 minutes. This not only dries them out, making them easier to crush, but it also sterilizes them, killing any harmful bacteria that may be on them.

As you can see, there are numerous usages for eggshells. What will you use your chicken eggshells for?


Backyard Chickens Mama - About Me - Get your chickens laying more eggs. Basket full of eggs with 3 hens.

About the Author

Jenny is a chicken enthusiast and has raised a variety of different breeds of chickens in her Northern California backyard for the past 27 years. She enjoys using incubators to incubate and hatch fertile chicken eggs so she can raise baby chicks from day 1. Some of her favorites include Crested Cream Legbars, Marans, Silkies, Orpingtons and Olive Eggers. These breeds make a beautiful basket of farm fresh eggs! Both she and her husband built their own chicken coop and she and her Dad built her current chick brooder. Jenny likes to share tips and tricks that she has learned over the years to make it easier for others to raise happy, healthy and productive chickens. Just last year, Jenny released a Special 9 Herb Chicken Nesting Box Blend that helps to increase hen egg production as well as keep chickens happy and healthy. And this year she released Cooling Herbs for Chickens that helps to lower chicken core body temperature during extreme heat.

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