how much oyster shells?

[beckysaur]

My buff orpington hen is now eating chick feed because she shares her space with 2.5-month-old pullets. So I've been trying to give her oyster shells for calcium. Advice on much she should be eating per day?

Thank you!

 

[thechickenchick]

I just leave a small feeder full and in the coop. They have access to it all the time. They don't go through it very fast. I haven't had a problem with their shells since.

 

[beckysaur]

I can't leave them out or mix them with the food because the pullets aren't supposed to eat them. (And they share a space with the hen.)

 

[sjh]

They will eat only a little or none at all. Chickens are good at self regulating there needs.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I leave a dish of free choice oyster shells by their feed. They will take what they want or need.

 

[chicks44]

when are you supposed to start giving them oyster shells?

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
You never HAVE to give oyster shell, but thier bodies will find the calcium to make shell(from the hens bones) if it has too. I have Oyster shell available at all times, they dont go through much, and the young ones dont seem to bother with it.

 

[poultryone]

Offer calcium supplements such as oyster shell free choice in a hopper. It's not like feed where you only give them a set amount at a time. The hens will consume the supplement when they need additional calcium and their systems will typically self regulate it.

 

[columbiacritter]

My chickens pick at the oyster shell but my ducks INHALE it, which makes sense since their egss are sooooooo much thicker.