Calcium/oyster shell before laying?

[Lulu-vt]

Should I be feeding my hens calcium or oyster shells before they start laying? They are 15 weeks old right now. I have them in layer feed and I offer grit.
I’m actually not sure they will start laying since the daylight is about to go and I live in northern Vermont.
I don’t have a light system set up yet and not sure I will. I never have before.

Pic of my Roo.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You can keep some oyster shell out in a separate bowl. Chickens will self regulate their calcium intake and when they start to need it will take what their body requires.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

You can put it out now. We did for about a month before anyone started laying. Before they needed it they pecked at it and had a "Ew, what is this? It's not food!!" reaction and walked off like we'd insulted them. Now they eat it as they need it.

Tip: don't leave the bag outside. It smells like yummy sea food to a lot of critters. I left a bag of it outside one morning and a few hours later found a little corner of it chewed but nothing gone. I bet that was one disappointed squirrel who found something that smelled like fish but tasted like rocks!

 

[FrostRanger]

I'd take them off layer feed at least until everyone is laying and offer oyster shell on the side. Nonlaying birds don't need the extra calcium in layer and it can cause long term health issues if fed for too long. Not to mention that the extra protein in chick starter or all flock is beneficial to birds of all ages, hence why many here (myself included) prefer it over layer feed