Oyster Shell - Free Choice?

[gilpinguy]

I started giving my birds crushed oyster shell and they seem to love it. They eat quite a bit of it.

Do you just give it to them free choice all the time or should they be on some sort of schedule, like one bowl every few days or something?

 

[GeneP]

Depending on the container you have the oyster shell in, they can waste quite a bit. It is recommended to free feed instead of rationing it. The laying hens need it, but the roos do not. If the hens do not get enough calcium, their egg shells will be thin and break easily.

 

[lindalouly]

I throw a handful outside when I think about it.... Once a month probably... Use to give it in the bowl but they preferred scratching for it.

 

[gilpinguy]

Depending on the container you have the oyster shell in, they can waste quite a bit.  It is recommended to free feed instead of rationing it.  The laying hens need it, but the roos do not.  If the hens do not get enough calcium, their egg shells will be thin and break easily.

Good. I have a small, fairly deep bowl that I use. They have to reach in to get it so they don't waste too much. Thanks!