Oyster shell and grit

[Alwaysfowlplay]

When does everyone introduce oyster shell and grit to their quail? Also it seems large since it’s for chickens, so do I blend it up or crush it? I imagine the grit shouldn’t be too fine.

 

[Nabiki]

I introduce to my birds around 5-6 weeks. That's when they might start laying. I also use a stainless steel mortar and pestle to crush the oyster shell into quail sized bits. Don't worry about some of it turning to powder. They peck that up too. If it's too big, it can impact the crop and cause serious harm up to death.

 

[Kale the Quail]

we give our birds washed and crushed egg shells for calcium. Is that ok to replace grit?

 

[Nabiki]

we give our birds washed and crushed egg shells for calcium. Is that ok to replace grit?

That's okay for calcium, but not for grit. It dissolves too quickly to be good for grinding food in the crop.