Laying question

[ChickenDude12345]

So I just got my first egg yesterday and got another one today. Yesterday night I put in a container of oyster shell. Just a thin layer to cover the bottom. Got back from school today and there wasn’t a single piece left. Is that bad? I know one of my chickens laying maybe two and I have a 11. Should I do something or no?

 

[WIchickMama]

Are they all the same age? It is possible that they will all begin to start laying soon and their bodies might be needing the extra calcium.

Was it knocked to the ground or all over? I do notice that some of mine do swish it all around with their beaks and it goes to the ground and then can get covered up.

 

[wamtazlady]

I don't think that is bad. Most likely the chickens were curious about the new potential food. They probably all had to test it out to see what it was. It might have been a new tasty treat.

 

[3KillerBs]

When I first put it in or when I refill it after it's gone empty (which I try to avoid, but which happens), all the chickens sample it.

Likewise when I integrated new chicks and they saw the adults eating it -- they had to try some.

But over time only the layers will eat it and then only what they actually need.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

Are they all the same age? It is possible that they will all begin to start laying soon and their bodies might be needing the extra calcium.

Was it knocked to the ground or all over? I do notice that some of mine do swish it all around with their beaks and it goes to the ground and then can get covered up.

They are all 19 weeks and three days. There was barely any on the ground I’m almost positive most of it was eaten. I have four buff Orpington‘s, Four Rhode Island Reds, and three black Australorps.

 

[WIchickMama]

They are all 19 weeks and three days. There was barely any on the ground I’m almost positive most of it was eaten. I have four buff Orpington‘s, Four Rhode Island Reds, and three black Australorps.

so potentially--based on numbers not the actual chicken (which we all know is a silly to go by numbers NOT the chicken)--they all could start laying soon so their bodies could be needing the calcium.

Fingers crossed for loads of eggs soon

 

[ChickenDude12345]

so potentially--based on numbers not the actual chicken (which we all know is a silly to go by numbers NOT the chicken)--they all could start laying soon so their bodies could be needing the calcium.

Fingers crossed for loads of eggs soon

Yes thank you!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I would say it's good. Sounds like they all realize they need it and are stocking up for starting their laying careers! Fill the dish back up and let them have all they want/need, it won't harm them. Those that don't need it certainly won't OD on it.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

I would say it's good. Sounds like they all realize they need it and are stocking up for starting their laying careers! Fill the dish back up and let them have all they want/need, it won't harm them. Those that don't need it certainly won't OD on it.

Yes I put a small amount to see what they would do. I’ll fill it up full tomorrow. Thanks for the advice