Fall Chicks

[RubySue]

Did they actually eat it, or did they throw most of it on the floor as they picked through for the "best" bits? If they actually did eat that much, it does sound a bit much. So you might want to take it away for a day or so and then offer it again for a limited time, so they can get used to having it but without overdoing it.

Do they have grit? I've read of chickens that over-ate oyster shell when they had no source of grit. So if yours do not have grit, you might try offering some.

Chickens are generally quite good at self-regulating oyster shell consumption, but every now and then they do odd things, so I can't be entirely sure whether your chickens really needed lots of calcium, or were mixed up somehow.

They have had grit for awhile. I just added the oyster shell right next to that hanging on the fence. I assume they would be able to tell a difference? I did see the boys digging in it as well, 2 of them but they are no longer with us so I am going to be able to keep a closer eye on it. I’ll take a look below see if they just picked alot out, I would have to move wood chips around a bit. Thanks!

 

[NatJ]

They have had grit for awhile. I just added the oyster shell right next to that hanging on the fence. I assume they would be able to tell a difference?

Yes, they should be able to tell the difference between grit and oyster shell.
If they have had grit available for a while, then they should not be trying to eat oyster shell instead of grit.

I did see the boys digging in it as well, 2 of them but they are no longer with us so I am going to be able to keep a closer eye on it. I’ll take a look below see if they just picked alot out, I would have to move wood chips around a bit. Thanks!

Yes, I would definitely check that before worrying.

I agree with @aart that gorging on the oyster shell could be a problem, but I would make sure before worrying or taking it away again. If they are actually spilling most of it, then they are not overeating from it. Spilled oyster shell will not hurt the chickens or the bedding or any compost pile you may eventually put the bedding in, but of course it's inconvenient for you because you have to keep refilling the container and you have to buy more sooner.

 

[RubySue]

Yes, they should be able to tell the difference between grit and oyster shell.
If they have had grit available for a while, then they should not be trying to eat oyster shell instead of grit.


Yes, I would definitely check that before worrying.

I agree with @aart that gorging on the oyster shell could be a problem, but I would make sure before worrying or taking it away again. If they are actually spilling most of it, then they are not overeating from it. Spilled oyster shell will not hurt the chickens or the bedding or any compost pile you may eventually put the bedding in, but of course it's inconvenient for you because you have to keep refilling the container and you have to buy more sooner.

So I never removed it just kept a close eye out and they are fine. Not gorging on it all. I’ve been trying to keep the “chickens know best” route since I started and don’t worry much. They seem a little more relaxed after I removed the two cockerels from the flock. I wasn’t sure how they would be. But the Leghorn was definitely acting like hormones were kicking in. They are just so quiet now. Which is strange. The girls definitely “clucked” 10 fold before, now they just seem to talk to me on occasion to say hi. I can definitely tell a difference in feed amount the boys must have been eating a lot!