oyster shell questions

[txmel]

i put out some oyster shell, in a small dish, for my hens that should be starting to lay soon

and today i noticed that the roosters in there with them were eating it too. is this normal or should i be doing something to stop them? any advice would be appreciated, thanks

 

[ChickenToes]

It won't hurt the roosters to eat the oyster shell, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[txmel]

thank you i wasnt sure what to do about it!

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
really? I heard extra calcium wasnt good for growing and non-laying birds. Maybe I am wrong though...

 

[teach1rusl]

Maybe he doesn't realize that it won't help make his egg shells any harder...

Clue him in...lol.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
lol, thats a rooster for you!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

TOO MUCH calcium is bad for non-laying stock. But too much covers a wide span of ground. He's probably eating it for grit so will only consume a limited amount.

Many roosters go their entire lives eating layer ration because that's what all the rest of the birds eat. The reason it doesn't bother him is because he doesn't eat as much as a hen does who is regularly producing eggs.

.....Alan.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

A.T. Hagan :

TOO MUCH calcium is bad for non-laying stock. But too much covers a wide span of ground. He's probably eating it for grit so will only consume a limited amount.

Many roosters go their entire lives eating layer ration because that's what all the rest of the birds eat. The reason it doesn't bother him is because he doesn't eat as much as a hen does who is regularly producing eggs.

.....Alan.

yes, thats what I thought. So roosters CAN eat layer ration along with then hens safely?​

 

[AHappychick]

oh yes roos will sometimes eat it and can. Chooks are good about regulating what they need. I use layer in all of my breeding pens and the roos have to eat it also, they are all a good weight and healthy. I do give them treats with more protein in it though especially around molt time.

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

Quote:
ok, I was curious what breeders feed, now it makes sense!