I’d like to read up on his story! Omg Walmart bird seed, no wonder. So do you think even with layer feed they should still get oyster shell? I’m no sure if it’s a myth or not but I always worried about too much calcium for the rooster. I heard it is hard in their kidneys?
Yes, males do not need the calcium. That is why Dylan was not getting any, I thought she was a HE! I was feeding her good, lower calcium pellets best for growing and that was not right for her. Her former owner gave me some of the food they were feeding Dylan, just seed from Walmart for at least the time they owned her, 9 years they told me. You can give Oyster shell in a dish on the side for the birds who need more to get more. The males will ignore it.
Many, many people who have mixed sex and aged flocks do not feed layer feed for exactly this reason. I feed a flock raiser feed and offer oyster shell mixed 50/50 with crushed egg shells that I collect from all my eggs and provide in separate feeders. That way the birds that need the calcium will take what they need, the others will not get too much. Too much calcium CAN cause health problems down the road. Rooster's don't need the extra, older birds that don't lay, or lay infrequently, don't need as much. The need can vary greatly from bird to bird and seasonally, so if they can self regulate, they will be better off. During heaving laying times (spring and summer) their intake is much higher than during winter or molt, I have it available always. A large bag of oyster shell lasts my flock of 25 for quite some time.
The problem was I was told she was male when I bought her. She gets pellets with the right calcium for a layer now. Chickens do benefit from a dish of oyster shell always available.
Shannon84, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just got to your post now. 
I have honestly found when my chickens or ducks appear sick, Bring them inside, give them a warm bath in your kitchen sink or bath tub (the hot water is especially soothing for chickens! it has saved mine when they have gone into shock within minutes they return to a conscious state). When in the bath I take a wash cloth and put it on their back to keep them extra cozy and warm and make sure the wash cloth stays warm with the water. Separate her ASAP from the others, grab a heat lamp, and place her in box without a lid and make it very comfortable and clean. Just simply starting doing that will make them feel a lot better. BYC is amazing - keep posting and I guarantee someone who has been in your s hoes will help out - I wasn't able to read every reply back to you so I apologize if I missed something important. Also, adding apple cider vinegar with the mother in it to her water could be beneficial. Instead of layer feed perhaps give her real foods that provide the nutrients they need. I personally use the Nutrena brand for feed and to me nothing else compares, it smells good, and my entire flock gobbles it down. They also free range from sun up to sun down, and I offer bugs and scrambled eggs 1-2 times a week as a treat. I haven't had to use oyster shells, grit, etc. for my flock. Chickens are also smart, they will eat what their body is in need of. You and your chicken are in my thoughts!!! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you out. I will try to find some posts on similar problems for you.
I think that’s what I feed them, oh i I love using apple cider vinegar for my chickens, I just bought some nutria drench first time ever, I’m freaking out over their little immune systems now! Is that a good product for immune health? Thank you so much, it was so fast and unexpected, I did have some warning signs I shouldn’t of over looked. I’m so upset with myself for it. You sound like a wonderful chicken momma! Thank you so much for the great tips! I sure need all I can get!!!Hi There!
I'm so sorry to hear about your baby
