Oyster shells- how frequent?

[IOT]

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm not sure how frequently to offer oyster shells to my hens and/or when to switch to layer's feed? I have 10 hens, ranging in age from 23 to 28 weeks, and we just started getting eggs last week (very exciting!). They've all been on starter/grower feed until now, and I still have a bag and a half of it, so I would prefer to use it up if possible. Since they started laying I've been placing a dish with oyster shells for them to eat as needed. I don't know if all the hens are laying yet, so I'm not sure if I should switch to layers feed yet anyway? Can I continue with the starter grower until I finish the bags, by which time I assume everyone will be laying, and continue offering the oyster shells on the side? If so, do I offer them every day or how often? And how much seems appropriate to offer for 10 hens, not knowing how many are laying? Thanks so much!

 

[Kirkwooder]

I leave oyster shell out free choice all the time.

Yes, I would feed through the feed you have before you buy anything new. Just be sure to offer the oyster shell as well.

 

[NatJ]

Yes, you can continue feeding the starter/grower feed to the end of the bag.

Yes, continue offering the oyster shell free-choice in a dish, not mixed with anything else. Just leave it there all the time.

Chickens are pretty good at eating the right amount of oyster shell. I have no idea how many pounds that many pullets should eat, but it's generally safe to trust their judgement. The ones that are not laying will sample a bit every now and then just to see what it is, while the ones that are laying will eat larger amounts and more frequently.

If you want to continue feeding starter/grower feed, with a separate dish of oyster shell, they can be fine with that for their entire lives. Or you can choose to switch to layer feed, preferably after they are all laying.

The only special thing about layer feed is that it has more calcium in it. In other respects, it is no better than the starter/grower feed. Layer feed probably has less protein, but that is just to make it cheaper, not actually healthier for the chickens.

 

[nuthatched]

Stay on flock raiser or grower and have a separate container for oyster shell for them to take when they need.

 

[cavemanrich]

You can keep using the Starter Feed for the rest of chickens life. You would only need to supplement their calcium needs. The cracked oyster shells should be available free-choice, even when you switch to layer feed. Chickens do know what they need, and pick up as needed.
I also suggest that when you switch to Layer, choose better than the 16% minimum protein. Aim for 18% protein. Just a personal preference opinion.
16% feed is when you are trying to squeeze every dollar out of your hens laying operation.
Place a quantity of shells in an open dish, and do not expect it to be consumed right away quickly. I just replenish the shells when dish gets low. I also mix in some grit into the shells. This way dish looks interesting, and inviting.
I only keep a small flock, and as pets . I do consume the eggs that do get layed. I also have layers, and non-layers. My choice for feed is Alflock. It is the lower dose of calcium, 2%,,, VS layer @ 4%. That is why Oyster shells free-choice is ideal.
My chickens all live long lives. Never encountered soft eggs shells doing things the way I describe.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[GC-Raptor]

I have 10 hens, ranging in age from 23 to 28 weeks, and we just started getting eggs last week

They've all been on starter/grower feed until now, and I still have a bag and a half of it, so I would prefer to use it up if possible. Since they started laying I've been placing a dish with oyster shells for them to eat as needed. I don't know if all the hens are laying yet, so I'm not sure if I should switch to layers feed yet anyway? Can I continue with the starter grower until I finish the bags, by which time I assume everyone will be laying, and continue offering the oyster shells on the side?

Continue with the Starter-grower feed and offer the Oyster Shells till at least one of each breed is laying before switching to a Layers feed.
Myself, I haven't fed a Layers feed in over 3 years.
I feed a Non-medicated Starter Grower 18% Protein feed with Oyster Shells separately to my hens and pullets year round.

GC

 

[IOT]

Thank you so much for your quick responses. I now feel good about finishing the starter/grower while offering the oyster shells for free choice. I might continue with the starter/grower even after I finish the bags now that I see this is fine, because I believe the starter/grower has more protein and I assume this is better for the hens in the cold winter (I'm in the northeast and we do get pretty cold winters). Thanks so much again, I really appreciate the advice I get in this forum!

 

[Unsworth]

I decided to give my laying hens 22% protein meat bird feed and I think they like it. I am getting nearly full production (and egg a day) from my 21 hens even during this cold Michigan winter. (1 F this morning) I dump oyster shell in a separate pan for them to eat whenever they want it. Same with the feed. It is always available. I also feel sorry for them since snow covers their yard and the ground is frozen solid so I give them treats every day during the winter.

 

[Ascholten]

I have heard that giving them too much protein can be bad? Not sure. If it's in shell form, THEY can decide if they need it or not, if it's premixed into the food then they don't have that choice and the body has to work it out.

As for the oyster shells, yes you CAN mix it in with their feed but they will just pick and peck the nuggets they want to eat anyways so you might end up wasting more of it than if you let it in a bucket and let them pick it as they want / need it. When they pick and peck from within the food they will probably throw the stuff they don't want all over the pace and it will end up trampled into the dirt etc etc, if it's solo then it should stay fairly intact until eaten... but then again, these are chickens, so all bets are off to how well they will follow our wishes

Aaron

 

[Ryguy3684]

Like others have said, leave out a container of oyster shell grit at all times. If you like, once the starter feed is done, and you like the added protein, you can use Purina Flock Raiser. It's good for all ages, all sexes, and has a high protein percentage. I use it because I have a rooster and I didn't want him having the extra calcium that's in layer feed. The higher protein feeds will also help growing feathers, when the birds are molting.