Calcium and "Special" Chickens

[LilJoe]

I have a "special" hen that is turning 2 yrs next summer. She is brain-damaged, thus she has never laid an egg and I don't believe she ever will. She stays with my bantams in their little pen. The hens in that pen are eating layer crumbles and have oyster shell available.
My question is:
Is it safe for my "special" hen to eat the calcium?

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

From what I’ve read, they eat if if they need it. If she eats it, she must need it?

What a sweet thing to keep a special chicken.

 

[Folly's place]

You could feed an all-flock feed, and have the separate oyster shell, for everyone in that pen. Then she won't be getting all that extra Ca that she doesn't need, if she's not laying eggs.
Mary

 

[pineapple416]

I agree that most of the time, they will eat calcium when they need it. Usually only my laying hens are interested in egg or oyster shells, so it should be fine to have calcium available for your "special" hen.
I agree it is nice of you to keep a special hen and care about her needs. We had a special duck that lived with our flock of chickens that had a hard time walking and scooted around. He was sweet and bonded with our bantam hens. Even though some chickens are different they can still be great pets and deserve a good quality of life.