Keeping Littles out of Oyster Shell

[RobertaD1]

I have tried the gambet of things... I have 6, 11/12 week olds who DEFINITELY have a mind of their own. My other birds are 18 weeks, and older. I, of course feed an All Flock feed and have Oyster shell on the side. The oyster shell has become a popular thing for ALL the birds. First it was hung in the run, out of reach for the littles. Worked great. As I watched, only those laying, or those who are close to POL, were concerned with it. Then, the littles noticed it and over the last week, we have moved that oyster shell bowl 14 times. They,the littles, are VERY close to the size of my comets, so hanging it higher than 18in puts it out of reach for those who need it. I've moved it to an area under the trampoline... an area the littles haven't ventured because they are promptly run off.... thought I had it made. NOPE, this morning as the bigger girls went in the coop to eat, those little turds became brave and wandered up that tunnel, to the area under the trampoline. Its like they are testing me.... so NOW what do I do to keep them out of it? Honestly, Ive never had this many age differences with my birds, so there's never been a problem.
Any thoughts?

 

[azygous]

Time to admit defeat. Sometimes we are not smarter than our chickens.

Really though, nibbling occasionally on oyster shell is not going to cause the littles any lasting harm. They are doing it more out of curiosity than compulsion. They will lose interest when they discover the stuff isn't the big treat they thought it was.

Make it available easily in multiple locations for any layer needing it, and stop worrying.

 

[RobertaD1]

Time to admit defeat. Sometimes we are not smarter than our chickens.

Really though, nibbling occasionally on oyster shell is not going to cause the littles any lasting harm. They are doing it more out of curiosity than compulsion. They will lose interest when they discover the stuff isn't the big treat they thought it was.

Make it available easily in multiple locations for any layer needing it, and stop worrying.

LOL.... ok...
I thought for a min, daggone it.. are they watching me! Ugh...
We will keep it out and hope they leave it alone. I think maybe they thought it a game. The wee turds. Thank you! At least I feel better!