Adding Oyster Shell to diet?

[Owner of Elvis]

My Barred Rocks are 17 weeks today. Should I begin adding oyster shell in the next couple of weeks or wait until they actually begin laying?

 

[mechagrue]

I'm in the same situation - newbie chicken owner.

I went ahead and started giving it to them at 15 weeks, even though it's a bit early. They need to "process" the calcium in order to have it available for shells, and surely that will take a bit of time.

 

[stuckinthecity]

Heres a little way that you can save money...
When they start laying keep a few eggs and crack them, pour out the yoke (or eat it) wash the egg shells and then crush them up into tiny peices and mix with the feed. That way you dont have to buy oyster shell but they still get that protein they need to make strong egg shells!

 

[apukanski]

I leave it free choice, it's there if they want it.

 

[RendonRoo]

They don't need it until they start laying. If you change to layer feed at that time the will get the extra calcium they need for strong shells. I also offer crushed egg shells and oyster shell at the same time. They don't seem to eat it unless they need it. If you feed it to them at too young of an age it can cause internal problems that you may never realize. It can effect egg production and life span of the chickens. Good Luck

 

[consdrs]

When you see your first egg add oyster shell and switch to layer feed. before that it is unnecessary. I have a chick feeder with just oyster shell in it. I am surprised at how much they eat!

Connie

 

[GrannySue]

I crush my own oyster shell gathered from the shore. It was going really fast and I wondered why until I caught my 3 drakes and my egg-eater-never-laid-an-egg-herself chicken gobbling the crushed shell faster than my chickens and ducks who actually need it!

Never mind, it's summer and I have an endless supply of oyster shell, just down the hill.
My layer feed suggests supplementing with extra calcium.

 

[chookchick]

Doesn't hurt to have it available in a separate feeder for those who need it. I have one pullet laying at 16 weeks! and she is cowing it down--the others have no interest in it yet. They won't eat it unless they need it if it is separate.