How much is too much oyster shell

[Katt47]

Ok so my chickens are about 6 mos old and since I’ve been giving them oyster shells and grit, they devour it it with in a day or two. I have 22 hens and have had chickens over a decade. I’ve never seen this before. I put out a pound or two each and it’s gone the next day. Anyone have an idea?

 

[GodLovesU]

There’s not any way they’re spilling it, is there?

 

[Katt47]

There’s not any way they’re spilling it, is there?

No. I don’t think so. They just gobble it up.

 

[GodLovesU]

What other foods are they being given?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You put out a pound or two "each" - meaning for each of the 22 chickens, and it's all gone the next day?
THere is no way every chicken can ingest a pound of oyster shell a day. I put about 5# of OS out in my coop for 22 chickens and it lasts them months and months.

 

[Katt47]

What other foods are they being given?

Just tractor and supply Dumor pellets. And garden scraps.
I’m starting to wonder if it’s our well water though. I started one of the electrolyte additives from tractor and supply and that seemed to help. But when I stopped it they started up again.

 

[Katt47]

You put out a pound or two "each" - meaning for each of the 22 chickens, and it's all gone the next day?
THere is no way every chicken can ingest a pound of oyster shell a day. I put about 5# of OS out in my coop for 22 chickens and it lasts them months and months.

No I meant a lb or two of oyster shell and grit.lol

 

[BigBlueHen53]

No I meant a lb or two of oyster shell and grit.lol

Oh I see, thanks for clarifying!

 

[Katt47]

No I meant a lb or two of oyster shell and

No I meant a lb or two of oyster shell and grit.lol

For all 22.

 

[BDutch]

I would limit the amount of grit/oyster and give 24/7 chicken feed/layer if the coop is mice/rat free. Also give some extras like kitchen waist/scratch/ grass clippings/mixed grains etc.