Grit Oyster Shell

[marjo]

Hi to all Quail keepers
I'm new to Quail and poultry
I love browsing this forum and learning all about the different breeds of poultry and birds
My question is when you should start to introduce Oyster shell to young Quail
I have two week old Browns and wanted to give them some grit but I'm a bit concerned of what it would do at this young stage of there lives
They are doing great so far and growing fine without it

Thanks for any input

Marjo

 

[dc3085]

Hi to all Quail keepers
I'm new to Quail and poultry
I love browsing this forum and learning all about the different breeds of poultry and birds
My question is when you should start to introduce Oyster shell to young Quail
I have two week old Browns and wanted to give them some grit but I'm a bit concerned of what it would do at this young stage of there lives
They are doing great so far and growing fine without it

Thanks for any input

Marjo

I start mine on it around 8 weeks old.

 

[marjo]

Thanks dc085

I though that they would need the grit to help digest food
would it be of any benefit to them to start feeding oyster shell at an earlier age

 

[TwoCrows]

Oyster shell and grit are two different things and should not be confused. Oyster shell is calcium and is only given to hens that are laying.

Grit is given to any birds that are eating non water soluble foods. If they are eating just gamebird food, you do not need to add any grit. Grit is needed by the gizzard to grind anything that is not dissolved by water. So gamebird food dissolves. If you are offering up things like greens, seeds or anything that can not be broken down quickly by water, then grit is needed. You would give the grit at any time during their lives that they are eating non water soluble foods.

 

[marjo]

Thanks TwoCrows

That makes sense
I do understand now so I'm to offer Oyster shell for hens that will be laying
for the young I don't need to do anything

 

[TwoCrows]

Correct!

Good luck with your quail!