Oyster Shells - How young is too young?

[jkl79]

My silkie pullet has just started laying. The shells started out very hard and now the 5th and 6th eggs have had very thin, soft shells. The silkie is in with younger pullets (about 2 months old). I would like to put a dish of oyster shells in the coop for the silkie for stronger egg shells. My question: Are the 2 month old pullets too young to eat the oyster shells? Do I have to separate the silkie when I'm putting out oyster shells?

Thanks!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I have adult hens and young pullets (almost 6 wks old) in together as the hens hatched and raised them. Since my hens are laying again I have put out oyster shell in a small container. The chicks are not very interested. They scratch and peck at the shells that are on the floor of the coop but I doubt they care to eat them very much.

 

[jkl79]

Good! So it sounds like it shouldn't be a problem to put some out.

Thanks for the info!!