I recently integrated two 12-week old pullets with my two 1 1/2 year old hens and as such switched everyone over to starter-grower feed and put out free-choice oyster shell dispensers for the hens...only problem is the pullets are gobbling the oyster shell up like crazy! I've removed the oyster shell from the coop and run as I've read too much calcium too early can be detrimental to young pullets' organs but at the same time I don't want my hens' egg (or bone) quality to suffer...how can I ensure they get what they need without harming the pullets or conversely, am I worrying over nothing?
