6 Week Old Chickens and Oyster Shell?

[Blue_Myst]

Well, my new chickens are living in a pen that was lived in by chickens for many years, and has accumulated quite a bit of oyster shell. I swept out what I could, but there are a few scarce pieces here and there. Will these 6 week olds ferret through the dirt to eat them?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Probably not yet, but I would keep an eye on them for a bit. I know my chicks eat ANYTHING.

 

[bigzio]

Please keep in mind that the added calcium in the diet is only needed by mature hens, that are stressed from constant laying.

It is a health problem for young birds to consume the extra calcium, that they don't need....

Help is here....so is education...take the time to read and learn....

~ bigzio

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[Kelly G]

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[Blue_Myst]

Please keep in mind that the added calcium in the diet is only needed by mature hens, that are stressed from constant laying.

Thank you for pointing this out, but that I knew. That is why I'm asking whether anyone has had experience about whether younger chickens will ignore oyster shell or eat it like candy. If will eat it, then I will do something about it.


Thanks for the input everyone!

I guess the best thing to do is to see whether they show interest in them or not.​