Just found our first 8 eggs!!! Help!

[ChickenCanoe]

I just got back from Tractor Supply and got a candler, laying feed and crushed oyster shells, apparently I have layers!! As I was getting everyone stocked up for the night I decided to look in the coop again and sure enough there was egg number 9! I did candle the first 8 eggs and there’s no development in any of them so in the fridge they go for breakfast tomorrow morning!
I am curious, should I be feeding my rooster something else or is it ok for him to be eating the same layer feed mixed with oyster shells?
Thank you so much for your replies!

First of all, roosters don't lay eggs. Layer feed is exclusively for birds actively building egg shells. That leaves out molting hens, broody hens, old hens no longer laying, hens taking a winter break, pullets under 18-20 weeks (depending on time of year) and - roosters. Layer feed is formulated for layers.

Don't mix anything with layer feed, especially not oyster shell. Layer already has 4% calcium in it. That is sufficient for all but the most prolific layers. If one mixes OS with layer feed, it can be deadly in short order because in order to eat, a bird may be forced to consume excess calcium.

That doesn't look like an Aorp or JG egg. It seems too light. Do you know who is laying? You likely have 2 or more laying pullets. The one that is sitting and the one continuing to volunteer eggs. A committed broody hen will cease laying eggs when she starts sitting.

 

[NewHomesteaders5]

May I ask what brand of feed you have? I have not seen a bag of feed yet that says to mix OS with the feed.

It’s the Dumor OS bag that said it can be mixed in with the feed at a 1lb to 20lb ratio. They just are almost finished with the first 50lb bag of dumor layer crumbles and I just picked up another 50lb bag of dumor layer pellets.

 

[aart]

It’s the Dumor OS bag that said it can be mixed in with the feed at a 1lb to 20lb ratio.

Really!?! Does it specify what kind of feed?

 

[NewHomesteaders5]

Really!?! Does it specify what kind of feed?

Yes actually, it says to add the 1lb of OS to 20lbs of LAYER feed.

 

[Kiki]

Yes actually, it says to add the 1lb of OS to 20lbs of LAYER feed.

Do you buy the Dumor brand layer feed?
If so can you take a pic of that bag too? ( The instructions)

 

[aart]

Yes actually, it says to add the 1lb of OS to 20lbs of LAYER feed.

Just more proof that feed bag info is not always the best advice.
Doesn't specify and certain brand/model of layer feed...but still.

 

[NewHomesteaders5]

Do you buy the Dumor brand layer feed?
If so can you take a pic of that bag too? ( The instructions)

Yes, this was the first bag I bought that they just finished and I just got another 50lb bag of layer pellets instead of crumbles.

 

[Kiki]

Yes, this was the first bag I bought that they just finished and I just got another 50lb bag of layer pellets instead of crumbles.

What about the guaranteed analysis tag? Is that still on the bag?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It’s the Dumor OS bag that said it can be mixed in with the feed at a 1lb to 20lb ratio. They just are almost finished with the first 50lb bag of dumor layer crumbles and I just picked up another 50lb bag of dumor layer pellets.

Dumor is made at the same mills that make Purina.
I searched for information that would lead me to the suggestion and all I could find on Dumor OS said,
".... DuMOR Oyster Shell is a calcium supplement designed to ensure your birds lay healthy eggs organically. Offer to your birds in a separate container from their feed and watch as they instinctively take the amount their bodies need to create strong, unblemished eggs."
But then I researched a little more and found this on the Purina site.

Caution
Use only as directed. If an excessive amount of grit accumulates in the feed troughs, reduce the level added.
Important
Provide free choice next to feed during the laying season, or mix 1 lb with 20 lbs of feed.

To an extent, I find those directions disturbing. I've had several discussions in person with Purina poultry nutritionists about calcium, protein and other feed constituents. So I find it hard to believe and the next time I see one of them, I'll bring it up to them.

Then I decided to do the math. Oyster shell is 98% calcium carbonate. CaCO3 is 40% calcium which makes OS about 37-41% calcium. At a ratio of 1 lb. OS to 20 lbs. of layer feed (assuming an average of 4% calcium) that ratio makes the final blend a total of 5.7% calcium.
I still think that is pretty high for backyard hens, some of which may not be very productive and may not need layer at all.

Perhaps that's why the cautionary note to reduce the OS level added if excessive "grit" accumulates in the feed trough. Another problem I have with it is that they are referring to OS as 'grit'. They are not the same thing.
So now I'm really looking forward to my conversation with them.