FEEDING OYSTER SHELLS?????

[mirmle]

I've been on the site reading a jabillion messages trying to educate myself on various issues...I know that i need to give my layers oyster shells, but cant find out how to feed...do I mix it into the layer pellet or serve seperately...if its a mix, what's the ration??...also, Molly was laying eggs every day, and hasn't in 3 weeks...is this because she hasn't had oyster shells??? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MayberrySaint]

Quote:
Oyster shell or calcium chips are served separately free-choice. A small hopper in the coop should suffice. Lack of oyster shell will not cause a hen not to lay but will result in eggs with fragile shells.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

They need calcium. You can get layer feed with the appropriate amounts of calcium in it. Check the label. Or you can feed eggshells back to them or crushed oyster shell. The oyster shell can be put in a seperate feeder and fed "free choice" they will eat it as they see fit.

 

[mirmle]

so any ideas on why Molly suddenly stopped laying???

 

[KrisRose]

How old is Molly? Could she be starting a molt? Thats my only guess.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Could be any number of things. A change in her diet, broodiness, stress from the heat, not getting enough daylight, molting, etc...

Sometimes you just can't point your finger at anything. Just give her time.

 

[mirmle]

well nothings changed other than I took her eggs out of the nest...she hasnt gone back or layed another...