⠀ Is Oyster Shell A Must?

[kdolly87]

Ok, so I've been out of oyster shell for two weeks. (Husband threw it out cause he thinks they weren't eating it. Yes, I griped at him lol) But during that two weeks I Got two new hens. One of which is laying age. The hens I already have aren't laying yet. Too young I suppose.
Anyways the game fowl I got started laying 3 days ago and the shells are nice and thick. She hasn't had any oyster shell prior and hadn't had any since I had gotten her about a week and a half ago. I went and got some things at the store for them. And I remembered the oyster shell so I got that too.

But now I'm thinking is it really a "have to" sort of thing? They get a flock block grit and Dumor grower and finisher. They also have grass bugs weeds and all sorts of things they eat in the yard. Along with suitable scraps. Granted I will keep on with the oyster even though they really don't eat much of it. Mostly it gets knocked over and then just lays on the ground. It's not really expensive at all anyways.

What do you think? Maybe since they have such a variety in their diet it's not required?

 

[kdolly87]

Here's one of her perfect eggs

 

[Ravynscroft]

If they aren't laying yet, then no, they generally wouldn't eat it. They have no need for it until they are laying, and producing calcium for the shells. Once they are laying, it is always a good idea to keep oyster shell out in a free feed container if you aren't feeding them a layer feed. They van get all kinds of good nutrition from bugs, grass and scraps, but actively laying hens need a good source of calcium.

 

[kdolly87]

If they aren't laying yet, then no, they generally wouldn't eat it. They have no need for it until they are laying, and producing calcium for the shells. Once they are laying, it is always a good idea to keep oyster shell out in a free feed container if you aren't feeding them a layer feed. They van get all kinds of good nutrition from bugs, grass and scraps, but actively laying hens need a good source of calcium.

Ah!!! That makes so much sense! Thanks

 

[Ravynscroft]

Ah!!! That makes so much sense! Thanks

You're welcome! Glad to help!

 

[RonP]

They seem to know when the need the extra calcium.

I keep it available for them free choice.

A bag lasts a long time. They also have a great variety of foods to choose from.

 

[kdolly87]

They seem to know when the need the extra calcium.

I keep it available for them free choice.

A bag lasts a long time. They also have a great variety of foods to choose from.

Yeah I put out a feeder full of it and they all pretty much ignored it lol! But it's there if they need it.