Adding oyster shells

[Ekemp]

Hello! First time chicken mom here, so I always have questions as they continue to grow! My ladies are 19 weeks, and I've read mixed things on when to start offering oyster shells. Some day start at 16 weeks, others say not until they start laying. I decided to split the middle, and put some out for free choice in the run today. They are eating it like crazy! Is this okay? Should I not be offering it free choice at this point? I've had it put for like 10 minutes, and it's constantly crowded with chickens going back every few minutes. Thank you!

 

[Debbie292d]

Either way works. Chickens eat it if they need it, and yours needed it, so must be gearing up to lay some eggs!

I would only not leave it out there if you have little chicks running around in that area too, as it's bad for them to eat that. Most don't, but some would be curious.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Mine are about the same age and I've had it out for the older hens since they were six weeks old. They’ve only started paying attention to it recently. So if yours are eating it they need it.

 

[Ekemp]

Either way works. Chickens eat it if they need it, and yours needed it, so must be gearing up to lay some eggs!

I would only not leave it out there if you have little chicks running around in that area too, as it's bad for them to eat that. Most don't, but some would be curious.

Thank you! We're so excited to get our first egg!

No little ones, so thankfully I don't have to worry about that bit!

 

[Ekemp]

Mine are about the same age and I've had it out for the older hens since they were six weeks old. They’ve only started paying attention to it recently. So if yours are eating it they need it.

Great, thanks so much!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I always have it available in a cup in the coop and while the chicks will play with it and sample some, they don't really have interest in it until they're getting close to point of lay.

 

[Folly's place]

We also always have it out there in a feeder, and chicks may try some, but don't really eat much until they are laying eggs.
Mary