crushed oyster shells or chicken egg shells??

[LindsayB]

My chickens should start laying in a couple weeks. How important is it to give them crushed oyster shells? I'm new to all of this. I've heard about giving them crushed egg shells also. Which is better for the hens and what is necessary? Do they need all of that extra stuff?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Will you be feeding layer mesh exclusively? Or will they be getting treats or free ranging?

 

[SpottedCrow]

I wouldn't give oystershell or any other type of calcium until AFTER they've started laying.

 

[LindsayB]

Right now I'm mixing the chick starter feed with the layer pellets from TSC. They don't really like the pellets so I'm trying to change them over slowly. They also eat the grass and any bugs they can find. Plus I give them a couple a mealworms everday and chopped veggies as a treat. They get a pretty good variety. I just didn't know how much calcium they needed in order for their eggs to be strong.