Oyster Shell

[Yay Chicks!]

Good Morning! I have read posts that say don't feed oyster shell until your birds start laying, and I've read posts that say to offer oyster shell when they are near to laying. Mine are about 19 1/2 weeks old. They are not yet laying but I would not be surprised to get an egg in the next day or two based on the behavior of the BR and the BO. So....is there harm in feeding oyster shell to birds that have not yet laid? The purpose would be to make certain that the first eggs were not thin shelled - something I also read a lot of postings about. They are on layer feed.
Thanks!

 

[teach1rusl]

Offer it to them free choice. They will take it if they need it. I've even had a youngster (12 weeks) sample a few pieces and she is just fine.

 

[woodmort]

Yeah, I have a three different aged birds, old layers, 20-week pullets and 15-week chicks so am feeding grower to all. I have a small wall feeder that has 5-lbs of oyster shells in it so whoever feels the need can dip into it. Won't switch them over to layer until the youngest bunch starts producing eggs.

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
MINE ARE 19 WEEKS OLD... I JUST GAVE THEM THE LAYENA FEED AND OYSTER SHELLS THIS MORNING... EVEN THE ROOSTER WAS EATING THE OYSTERSHELLS... IS THAT NORMAL?

 

[gallinamama]

Is Layena Crumbles .... Layer Food ? Is There A Different Food To Give Them? They Get Scraps, Grass And Fruit Also.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Layena is layer food, yes.

 

[gallinamama]

Yay Chicks! :

Layena is layer food, yes.

THANKYOU!

 

[PhilErvin]

If you're concerned, just wait until they start laying and if the shells seem too thin - offer the oyster shells.

 

[tommboy1973]

The lady at the feed store said I did not need to feed oyster shell with the Layena, but from what I see on here it sounds like she is wrong?

 

[Amigatec]

Here is what I use. I have Oyster shells in one side and grit in the other.