Oyster shell grit

[MamaMia72]

So I am totally new to this, but 2 of my 5 (my RIR and an Aracauna) girls just started laying on Sunday...YEAH!!!! My question is this, should I now provide oyster shell or do I wait till everyone is laying? I got beautiful eggs with nice shells so do then need oyster shell or do you think I am ok without it unless I see issues with the shells (my Aracauna did skip laying yesterday and they are laying late in the afternoon)?

I am a bit confused by what I have read. Thanks for the advice...you all are great on here!

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm no expert, but if they are all the same age, I don't think it would be a problem.

I switched mine to feed with oyster shell in it at about 15 or 16 weeks of age.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

My feed does not have oyster shell in it. I just keep a dish or bowl on hand 24/7 for oyster shell in the henhouse incase one of the girls want to dig in.

 

[vnploveschickens]

Congrats on your first eggs!!

My suggestion is to put out oyster shell in a separate dish so that the chickens that want/need it will eat it, free-choice. I feel that its better to have it, even if they have layer feed, to keep their bodies and bones strong.

Good luck!