Mixing Oyster shell with Feed?

[MyPetNugget]

I had read somewhere not to mix oyster shell with their feed. I have been doing this ever since they started laying! (ever since this January)

Will this affect my chickens or hurt them? Were should I put the oyster shell if it's not in the feed? And also what's so bad about it?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

It won't hurt them but it's better to have it in a separate dish.

 

[michemes]

I've never seen anywhere NOT to feed oyster shells. I no longer do it because my hens would just pick through the grain and leave all the shells and shell dust behind.

 

[michemes]

Barred rocks are my favorite, also. They are so docile, lay really nice eggs all year long.

 

[henless]

I would feed the oyster shell separately. It's not bad feeding it with the feed, nor will it hurt them. But, if you feed it separately, they will be able to get the amount they need and not waste a lot of feed/oyster shell separating it when eating.

You can put it in anything. Any container will work. Something they can't turn over. I put my oyster shell and grit in pipe feeders. It stays clean and they can't dump it all out like they were doing when I had it in a bowl. I have grit in one and oyster shell in the other. Works great.

 

[MyPetNugget]

I would feed the oyster shell separately. It's not bad feeding it with the feed, nor will it hurt them. But, if you feed it separately, they will be able to get the amount they need and not waste a lot of feed/oyster shell separating it when eating.

You can put it in anything. Any container will work. Something they can't turn over. I put my oyster shell and grit in pipe feeders. It stays clean and they can't dump it all out like they were doing when I had it in a bowl. I have grit in one and oyster shell in the other. Works great.

Ok, so I'll try doing something like that. I like the setup that you have there!

Thanks so much for your help everyone!

 

[MyPetNugget]

I've never seen anywhere NOT to feed oyster shells. I no longer do it because my hens would just pick through the grain and leave all the shells and shell dust behind.

I am feeding them oystershell, I was just mixing it with the feed until I read somewhere that your not suppost to do that.

Barred rocks are my favorite, also. They are so docile, lay really nice eggs all year long.

Yes, I agree!

It won't hurt them but it's better to have it in a separate dish.

Thank you!

 

[RonP]

I also let the birds free choice oyster shell.

They seem to know when they need it.