My girls treated themselves to Oyster Shell.

[KFox]

My pullets range in age from 14-20 weeks.

In the last few days, some of the girls are singing the egg song, others are practicing in the nest box, others are squatting. I went and bought some layer feed and a bag of Oyster Shell. I put the Oyster Shell in the barn-on a shelf. My girls found it and ripped it open. I don't know which of them got into it and how much was eaten. I caught one in the bag. Will it hurt them to have it so soon?

I was thinking maybe they broke the bag and got into it because they felt they needed it. I just want to be sure it can't make them sick.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

If they think they need it then let them have all they want. They'll fill up on it in the beginning then will only come for some every now and again.

 

[featherz]

I think they will be fine. Mine only seem to eat it when they need it.

 

[KFox]

Thanks for the responses.

I didn't know if I should trust them. Last week they thought they needed to tear open all the mulch bags. This week it's the oyster shell.

I'll get them some in a feeder and give it to them.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Mine do the same thing, if they haven't gotten any in a while they will gorge on it. Then they taper off and just pick at it when needed. I would say if they are eating it then they needed it! Besides at 14-20 weeks they should be laying soon anyhow.