Oyster shell in winter if not laying?

[MommA2K]

Do I still need to offer oyster shell to my girls now that they’ve stopped laying until spring?

 

[Weeg]

If you offer OS free voice, then they will only eat what they need, they won't eat as much in the winter, if they aren't producing as many eggs.

 

[GC-Raptor]

Do I still need to offer oyster shell to my girls now that they’ve stopped laying until spring?

I've left it available all winter because my hens have molted at different times, so I usually had one or two laying.
I add lights at 5 am year round.

My shells are under the raised coops and have 3/32" holes in the bottom to drain moisture. GC

 

[RevlisRemmah]

I've left it available all winter because my hens have molted at different times, so I always had one or two laying.View attachment 2402297
My shells are under the raised coops and have 3/32" holes in the bottom to drain moisture. GC

That’s a good idea to have drain holes. Does the oyster shell disintegrate outside?

 

[GC-Raptor]

That’s a good idea to have drain holes. Does the oyster shell disintegrate outside?

No.

GC

 

[MommA2K]

Thanks guys, I had read that it wasn’t good for them to have it when they were younger (before laying) so I wasn’t sure if they could still have it available when they’ve stopped laying. I’m not supplementing light, but I’ll just keep a little bit in case someone feels the need to have some.

 

[Weeg]

Thanks guys, I had read that it wasn’t good for them to have it when they were younger (before laying) so I wasn’t sure if they could still have it available when they’ve stopped laying. I’m not supplementing light, but I’ll just keep a little bit in case someone feels the need to have some.

That sounds perfect!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Its not good for force calcium (by making it part of the feed) when they are young, or are roosters. Free Choice, after they've sampled it because its new, you can leave it year round. If they don't need it, they won't eat it.