Oyster Shells - should it always be avaialble?

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We had 70 laying hens and making it free choice is a wise thing to do. The hens ate the oyster shell when they needed it. Animals /birds will consume a certain mineral/vitamin source if their system requires it or is low. If your hens are low producers during hot weather, then add vitamins to their water. Available at your feed store. Read the directions carefully. Hot and cold weather can stress them out and providing calcium (oyster shell), and vitamins is a wise thing to do. The hens we had produced approximately 5-6 days a week. Heavy production requires calcium. If its in the feed, it may very well be too much.