egg shells and baby chics?

[SilkieCanada]

I just fed them some eggshells. Well I fed it to the parents but the babies ran in there. Is this bad?

 

[Mommysongbird]

was wondering the same thing. Have not fed them any, but was wondering if it would be okay.

 

[Wildflower_VA]

I wouldn't feed them to chicks on purpose.

 

[AKsmama]

Is there any way you can feed the eggshells to the adults but not the babies, like putting the shells in a container the chicks can't reach? That would be safest. I don't think them eating a small amount once is going to do much harm, but as Wildflower_VA said, I wouldn't do it on purpose.

 

[Mommysongbird]

well that answers my question. Hope this helped you too, mitx.

When do chickens usually begin eating eggshells? I know they can eat them to give them extra calcium, but should they eat them before they begin laying or wait to see what their eggs look like?

 

[AKsmama]

Most wait until pullets have begun laying to offer eggshells/oyster shells and layer feed. We switched everyone over to layer when we got our first egg and began offering the crushed oyster shell at the same time.

 

[SilkieCanada]

yea Im going to hang the big birds food. Thats a great idea.

 

[Chick15]

Is it really a good idea to feed chickens eggshells? Won't they start eating their own eggs and other chicken's eggs if they develop a taste for eggs?

 

[Celtic Chick]

Feeding chickens egg shells will not get them to start eating their own eggs. It is actually one of the earliest forms of recycling.

From TSC website:
For layers, a lay ration with 16-20 percent protein is recommended. Lay ration contains calcium so eggshells stay hard. Supplemental calcium, either through a commercial product, or from crushing shells from your hens’ own eggs, is recommended for older layers, whose eggshells become thinner and more fragile.
Never give chicks adult feed. The minerals in it, especially calcium, which is important for laying hens, can severely damage a chick’s kidneys.

 

[Raptor Mountain Farm]

I know this is almost 10 years later, but I am new to this and had the same question. I'm glad everyone helps everyone else here, it really helps the newbies.