I dont know anything about using oyster shells in the bin. But if your bin is too wet the best thing you can do is mix some dry bedding in it. How much water is in your collector tray. There shouldnt be a lot draining in there.

Im sure some of the more knowledgable members will be able to help you more.

carey

I agree with brighteyes, add some dry bedding. Does your collection tray have a drain. Wet and acidic go hand and hand so try to dry things up.

I think it was too wet a few days ago. But I have been keeping the lid off for a few hours every day. I have water in my collection tray, but it is below the spigot so I can't drain it any more. I'll go ahead and mix in some more shredded paper. Of course, that means I'll have to mix in the oyster shells since they are on top - I just hope they don't hurt the worms!

Josselyn

The shells want hurt anything. They don't do anything but change the ph a little so it doesn't matter in the bed or on it. They don't react or ferment or anything.

yes, oyster shell will have little to no affect - on the worms or the pH - worms prefer a slightly acidic mix anyway, for the sake of the desireable bacterial growth [the real worm food], and the natural decomposition processes will keep it where it should be - always keep lots of dry bedding like paper mixed in to help with aeration, lack of which is what is the biggest cause of excess wetness - the worms will appreciate some shell for the grit value, as they don't have teeth, and the occassional crushed up eggshell serves that purpose too

Bill

I need advice ...I bought bag of crushed oyster shell for my hens today,when I got home I read on the bag that the dust can cause respirtory diseases and lung cancer...not to let it touch your skin,eyes ect. Does nyone know if this is dangerous stuff? I wouldn't want to use something that can be dangerous.please let me know...

no more "dangerous" than any other fine ground thing that can create lots of dust, just don't breathe it ... and remember that any product nowadays needs every possible disclaimer for liability/insurance purposes - I wouldn't worry too much about getting some on yer skin, it'd prolly just dry it out the same as any alkali, like lime - oyster shell is commonly used to supply chickens with the grit they need

Bill

Reading squeeze's response I had an epiphany and went googling for oyster shell and food or cosmetics. On the first page of ghits I found companies that "harvested" oyster shell for use in food and cosmetics. It is probably not going to kill you if you can eat it and rub it on your skin. I think they are, as squeeze suggested just covering themselves with paper in case they get caught with their pants down.