integrating chicks - oyster shell?

[BlueMoonFarm]

I am fully integrating my 8-week-old chicks in with my mature flock this week. (They've been living in a segregated space in the coop for 4 weeks now, so hoping the final integration goes smoothly!) I have read enough threads to know that I need to remove the layer feed and switch everyone over to grower feed til the chicks reach laying age. I also have read that I should continue to keep oyster shell available for the mature birds. However, how do you ensure the young ones don't eat the oyster shell? Do they just instinctively know to avoid it til they need it?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That's right. They won't eat it if they don't need it. Hens usually seek it out when the egg enters the shell gland.

 

[BlueMoonFarm]

Fantastic...thank you much!!