How bad is oyster shell for baby chicks?

[Mcook512]

I know baby chicks aren’t supposed to have oyster shell, but how do I keep them out of it? I didn’t think they would eat it until they were close to laying age, but my 4 week olds keep eating it. Not a lot, but a little here and there. Is it ok? Will it hurt them? I want to keep it out for my older chickens since I am feeding them all the starter/grower feed until the babies get old enough to switch feed.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have oyster shells out always. I don't worry about chicks consuming it. My birds also have free access to grit. So as long as they also have a source of grit I wouldn't worry about them occasionally eating the oyster shells.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I don't have anything to go on other than what I've read, which was that too much calcium can cause kidney problems. Can the oyster shell be provided out of reach of the chicks?

 

[Ebony Rose]

A nibble here and there isn't going to overdose them.

 

[blackdog043]

They'll be fine, a little won't hurt them. When I have new chicks they're in with the big girls and have access to oyster shell and grit. They might eat some, but I really don't pay to much attention if they are, since I'm not out there all day. You can leave them all on non medicated starter grower or an all flock feed, if you want to also. I feed non medicated starter grower all the time, so I don't have to switch when I get chicks.