9 week olds are eating oyster shell

[ShaggysGirl]

Hi Guys,
Last week we put our 8 week olds in with the 18 week olds. They are on a Kent multi flock right now but we may be moving to Buckeye big 4 soon. They have a small bucket of grit and one with oyster shell in it. This AM I noticed a cochin pullet eating the oyster shell

Is that ok?

 

[chickerdoodle]

They should not have additional calcium at this age as too much can harm their kidneys.

I don't know exactly what "too much" is but definitely not layer feed (is that what Kent multi flock is?). I am not sure how to stop this but how are you separating their main feed from the older ones?

 

[juliawitt]

I had the same problem. The little girls 9 weeks old are finally integrated with the 2 big gals 18 months and they could not keep their little beaks out of the layer crumbles. At first I wasn't concerned then I kept reading about the calcium and the problems it could cause. So, I took advice and switched to all purpose flock food with free choice oyster shell. I was told that the little gals would know not to eat the oyster shell and the big girls would eat it if they needed it. Now you have me worried. I just put the oyster shell out today. Everybody has been outside running about so I don't think they have even noticed the oyster shell yet. I am going to leave it for now and watch. I thought that with everyone integrated the problems were over.....apparently not!

 

[chookchick]

I wouldn't worry about it. Chickens are remarkable at regulating their needs when they have options. I highly doubt the young ones will poison themselves with oyster shell. Do make sure they are getting enough protein though, layer feed is low in protein.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Thanks, Kents multi flock doesn't have calcium in it and it has 18% protein. I was just surprised to see a 9 week old eating the oyster shell