Can adults eat grower feed?

[Kylo_Hen!]

Can chickens lay eggs that are too big for them? How do you know what size eggs they are supposed to lay?

I'm not sure i know what the conversation is

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

I bought 5chicks in 2014 and my chicken math doesn’t seem to know when to quit So I just collect the eggs and give to family and friends and sell a few but I may have to set up a stand because I got 26 today

Oh my! That's a lot of eggs. That chicken math!

 

[Mosey2003]

Can chickens lay eggs that are too big for them? How do you know what size eggs they are supposed to lay?

I suppose they could, in theory. If they've been bred for the largest egg laying possible, it might increase risk of egg binding. You really wouldn't be able to do anything about it though, besides treat it if it happens or cull the bird. Certain breeds are "supposed" to lay certain size eggs, but it's really a crapshoot unless you're breeding them yourself and know what your lines typically lay.

Not something to worry about, in any case.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

Thanks.

 

[lazy gardener]

This is one of the reasons why I'll not keep production hybrids. Sometimes too much of a good thing is not a good thing. IMO, this pertains to excess protein in the diet, as well as birds who are bred to lay a huge egg, while possessing a small frame, and being thrifty with their feed conversion.

 

[Susan Dye]

I have a question about feeding oyster shells. I've noticed just about everyone talks about putting oyster shells in a separate side dish. Why is that? Is there a reason you shouldn't just toss the shells with other grains for the chickens to pick at?

 

[Mosey2003]

I feed a certain amount of feed per day, and I don't really want to mess with adding a certain amount of oyster shell to it daily. So I feed my feed and I leave a container of shells out. Simple. I actually got a couple cute baby pig feeders free from a friend that work quite nicely for them.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I'll not keep production hybrids.

Yes they can health problems.

IMO, this pertains to excess protein in the diet,

I have read that more Protein can result in larger eggs.
I have Golden Comets and they feather pick on 16% Layers feed. I'm feeding a Non-Medicated 18% Start & Grow.
I had two of the five lay huge eggs regularly. Above Jumbo size 2.5 oz/71 grams, as large as 3.55 oz/101 grams. One died around 22 months from being egg bound. Another virtually stopped laying at 24 months. I've gotten 2 or 3 thin shelled eggs from her in 4 months. Another become ill around 25 months and I put her down.
I have 2 that still give me 12 eggs a week at 28 months, XL and Jumbo. GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have a question about feeding oyster shells. I've noticed just about everyone talks about putting oyster shells in a separate side dish. Why is that? Is there a reason you shouldn't just toss the shells with other grains for the chickens to pick at?

The hen may bill it out if they don't need the Calcium.
That said I do mix Oyster Shells and Poultry Grit in with mixed bird seed (scratch) and scatter over straw in their pen.
I do keep each in separate containers too. . GC

 

[lazy gardener]

The general recommendation is to NOT put it in their regular feed ration. If they have to go to a separate container to get their OS, it is more of a deliberate choice than if it is simply dumped into their regular feed.

Is this an old wives tale? Are we doing it this way b/c this is what some one said we should do? Have there been any studies done to see how much Ca++ a hen will ingest if the OS is put into her feed vs. fed separately? Further, any studies done to compare egg shell quality with hens on:

16% feed w/o extra calcium but OS provided free choice

vs.

16% feed w/o extra calcium but OS added to their feed

vs.

16% layer feed with Ca++ at 3.5 - 4.5%, no extra OS provided