Oyster shell question

[alinas2010]

My pullets are 16 weeks, I don’t think they’ll lay for a bit still. When should I start offering oyster shell, (and switch to layer feed, for that matter)? And also, I have oyster shells from the ocean lying around from various vacays, can I crush those and give them to the girls? Or is it best to use store bought? Any guesses when they’ll lay?

 

[Quarterhorses1]

Hi!! Oyster shells won’t make them lay in my experience. I’ve had hens lay at 18 weeks, it all just depends depends on the bird. I’ve only had bad experiences with oyster shells that are store bought, but I’ve never made my own. Best of luck!

 

[Brooks_]

I would be comfortable offering oyster shell now. Home made shell could be fine (I think), edges might be too sharp. Be sure to use safety glasses.

 

[alinas2010]

Hi!! Oyster shells won’t make them lay in my experience. I’ve had hens lay at 18 weeks, it all just depends depends on the bird. I’ve only had bad experiences with oyster shells that are store bought, but I’ve never made my own. Best of luck!

Thanks for replying! I’m not really wanting them to lay before they’re ready, (especially since our big coop isn’t done for them haha!). I just want to set them up so they’re as prepared as possible, and have no issues when they are ready!!

 

[alinas2010]

Hi!! Oyster shells won’t make them lay in my experience. I’ve had hens lay at 18 weeks, it all just depends depends on the bird. I’ve only had bad experiences with oyster shells that are store bought, but I’ve never made my own. Best of luck!

What was your bad experience?!

 

[alinas2010]

I would be comfortable offering oyster shell now. Home made shell could be fine (I think), edges might be too sharp. Be sure to use safety glasses.

Lol thank you! I will try a bit and be sure to get them pretty fine, honestly.

 

[Quarterhorses1]

What was your bad experience?!

My chickens wouldn’t eat them, one chocked on it, and they came smelling like death

 

[alinas2010]

My chickens wouldn’t eat them, one chocked on it, and they came smelling like death

Oh my goodness how terrible. I’m sorry you had to go through that. Traumatic do you do any extra source of calcium?

 

[Quarterhorses1]

Oh my goodness how terrible. I’m sorry you had to go through that. Traumatic do you do any extra source of calcium?

No not really. My hens are doing great

 

[alinas2010]

No not really. My hens are doing great

This is good to know, thank you