Calcium for Chicks

[GrFChickens]

Do baby chicks need oyster shell? Where does their calcium come from if I'm not feeding a pre-made feed and don't feel comfortable giving egg shells yet? One source I read said to sprinkle oyster shell across the brooder floor once a week or so to encourage foraging. It's certainly less expensive than aragonite. Any tips??

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Do baby chicks need oyster shell? Where does their calcium come from if I'm not feeding a pre-made feed and don't feel comfortable giving egg shells yet? One source I read said to sprinkle oyster shell across the brooder floor once a week or so to encourage foraging. It's certainly less expensive than aragonite. Any tips??

What *are* you feeding them? Knowing what you are giving them will help to determine the calcium content of the diet they have and whether any additional calcium would be needed.

 

[donrae]

In a free range situation, their calcium would be coming from greens and insects. Agree with OGM we need to know what you're feeding them now to make a good assessment.