Another Oyster Shell Question

[Godsgrl]

I bought a bag of OS at TS yesterday. It says it is Grit, and on the top says Crushed Granite. The brand is Nutri Source. On the back, it says "to develop healthy nutrition in chicks."

The #1 ing. is Oyster Shell. It has 10% calcium. I want to make sure it is okay to feed this to my hens, as it says to feed to chicks up to 10 weeks of age. Plus my roo will have access to it, although I don't know that he would eat it. Thanks for all replies!

 

[RubberChickenLubber]

You bought chick grit, not oyster shell. I have the same stuff. The oyster shell is usually in the same or higher shelf.

 

[Godsgrl]

Quote:
What is the difference between that and the oyster shell I should have gotten? Can I still use it? Thanks

 

[PurpleChicken]

Oyster shell is much larger, lighter and softer. It breaks down and is absorbed
faster by the hens. Grit sits in their crops or gizzards(don't know which) and
grinds up their food so even if it does have the same calcium content it takes
much longer to break down.

We put out both grit and shell. Most grit is granite, also high in calcium.

I've been just as confused. I've only figured it out by reading the bags and
watching them eat the stuff. My hens love the shell.

When you get the real oyster shell your gonna be surprised how large the stuff
is.

 

[Godsgrl]

Thanks Purplechicken for the information!

 

[silkiechicken]

Basically grit is rocks they use to digest, and oyster shell is for calcium. The rooster will peck at grit and be fine, but will avoid the oyster shell. The hens also don't really eat much shell till they get going in their laying thing either. They seem to know when they need it.

 

[Godsgrl]

Thanks Silkie Chicken, I appreciate your reply