How Young Can You Feed Oyster Shells?

[citychickinthecountry]

I have 9 (almost 4-week old) chicks...I was wondering how old they'll have to be before I can give them oyster shell. I'm sure it's a ways off, but I was just curious. I'm giving them grit right now...which they just devour.

Also, is it possible for them to eat too much grit? I had been mixing it with their feed, but then I noticed it was settling to the bottom of the feeder, so I placed it in a separate bowl. Now, they eat the grit until it's almost gone...granted, they are still devouring their feed too, so I know they're eating plenty of feed. Boy, I never knew how much 9 chicks could eat and poop. ;p About a year ago I got 4 chicks and they didn't go through nearly this much. Obviously.

(My apologizes if this post was better suited for the Raising Chicks Forum.)

 

[bigredfeather]

You don't need to offer OS until they are near 20 weeks. I would guess there is some calcium in their feed already. They don't need additional calcium until they are near laying age. As for grit, supposedly they will only eat it if they need it. It sounds odd they eat it up that fast, but dunno if it's an issue. I have never given any of mine grit.

 

[Akane]

When you first give anything to chicks and sometimes grown chickens it is possible for them to eat too much. They see this new item and just keep pecking at it so you do have to be careful when first giving grit and things to chicks. Eventually they learn what meet their needs and does or does not get rid of their hunger. They won't overeat on something except a few treats after that. Overall chicks won't eat oyster shell but again when given something new there is a chance they'll just keep pecking at it so it's best to wait. It's uncommon for chickens to lay eggs before 16weeks so that's about the earliest time people start offering oyster shell or switch them to layer feed. Some just wait until they see their first egg since some breeds will take twice that to start laying.

 

[underground chickenman]

If you only feed them starter/grower crumbles, they don't need grit. If you start feeding them non-soluable foods, like fruits and veggies, they will need chick grit, which is considerably smaller than chicken grit. It's like course sand. I would hold off until they are fully feathered, or about 6 weeks. A good brand of commercial feed has what they need for now. If you do supplement, go easy so their diet doesn't get out of balance.

UGCM

 

[CountryChic63]

You don't need to offer OS until they are near 20 weeks. I would guess there is some calcium in their feed already. They don't need additional calcium until they are near laying age. As for grit, supposedly they will only eat it if they need it. It sounds odd they eat it up that fast, but dunno if it's an issue. I have never given any of mine grit.

My breed of chickens start laying at 16 weeks.
So starting oyster shells truly depends on each breed, as 20 weeks would be very late for all my breeds, including most heritage breeds.
I typically offer oyster shells a month before the breed is suppose to start laying.