Nuts for Oyster Shells.

[FishMtFarm]

LOL. The title made me think you were going to ask if nuts could be used in place of oyster shells.

Lol that’s what I thought they were gonna ask too!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My 17 week old Barred Rocks went crackers over Oyster Shells this morning. One or more were showing interest in a nest box, always had access since 7 1/2 weeks. I noticed one nest the straw was made into a bowl shape. View attachment 1615247. So I added a ceramic egg to each yesterday.
Today I hung a bucket with Oyster Shells and all 7 ate some.View attachment 1615259. They have Poultry Grit. None have laid. GC

Look at those sweethearts!
The OS is new to them, so yep investigating/tasting.

Mine do what @MissChick@dee mentioned anytime I put out "fresh" OS two or three always seem to act like it's just grand LOL

They are prepping for what's coming. Earliest I've had BR begin to lay was at 23wks.
They will explore, make nests, act goofy

Sounds like you are enjoying these girls!! I hope you see your first egg soon, but patience! Right now, I think they are just playing and getting your hopes up

 

[aart]

No, it was the first time they've seen Oyster Shells.

Is this a new flock separate from your old flock?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Sounds like you are enjoying these girls!!

They are the friendliest. I watch them enjoying their Scratch treat and they pay no attention to me till they finish, then one by one they come to me. .

Earliest I've had BR begin to lay was at 23wks.

Yeah, I am hoping to see the first eggs the middle of January (5 months old).
I put some Ceramic eggs in the nests. . GC

 

[GC-Raptor]

Is this a new flock separate from your old flock?

Yes, they have their own coop and pen.

The new girls coop is on the right. The hens is on the left. GC

 

[Melky]

Their combs and wattles are small, some combs are red others are pale. Their faces and wattles are red though.View attachment 1615470 View attachment 1615472They are not squatting either.
I am currently feeding a Non-Medicated Starter-Grower 18% Protein and .8 to 1.3% Calcium. GC

Sounds fine! They may or may not lay because of reduced daylight hours. Mine are 28 weeks and not laying due to decreased daylight hours during winter season. They may lay now or in the spring. Sounds like your doing fine. Just keep them on what they are on till you see eggs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They are the friendliest. I watch them enjoying their Scratch treat and they pay no attention to me till they finish, then one by one they come to me.View attachment 1616542.

Yeah, I am hoping to see the first eggs the middle of January (5 months old).
I put some Ceramic eggs in the nests.View attachment 1616544. GC

LOL Nope, BR are not going to pay you one bit of attention if there is FOOD!! They love their vittles

 

[Melky]

Careful on the scratch that is candy and not good for them on a daily basis. You want most of their nutrition to come from the feed and not diluted from treats. I don’t feed treats every day just couple times a week and no more than couple tablespoons per bird. Too high a protein feed with too much scratch can lead to fatty liver disease. My chickens have never had scratch because a poultry chart I discovered recommended no scratch till at least 28 weeks of age and must be limited.

 

[aart]

@Melky .... @GC-Raptor has been around the block

LOL. The title made me think you were going to ask if nuts could be used in place of oyster shells.

Same here...but 'Nuts for Osyter Shells' is like 'Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs'

 

[Melky]

@Melky .... @GC-Raptor has been around the block


Same here...but 'Nuts for Osyter Shells' is like 'Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs'

Now some people think they will slow down and only eat what they need. Mine did not and the poultry company reported that if fearing your chickens taking too much or too little you can mix your OS and Poultry grit in with the feed. It will not hurt them. So mine now have the supplements mixed in . Now mine get just the right amount all the time. The bag will report the portion to feed.