Oyster shells?

[lilmarie84]

I don't use layer feed cuz I have a rooster in my flock but my one of my girls has been in the nesting stage should for a few days no eggs yet and I 2 others whose combs and waddles are getting bigger and redder so do I wait for the 1st egg or can I start put out the free choice oyster shells now

 

[Blooie]

You can put it out now. They'll nibble on it, mostly out of curiosity, but they seem to know when they really start to need it and then the girls will take it more regularly.

In the future, you can save yourself some grief and money by feeding the entire flock either an All Flock or Grower. My mixed flock of chicks, roos, and layers thrived on it, and with the oyster shell supplement I had no issues whatsoever! Can't feed 'em separately anyway - they'll never stay out of each other's food if they are kept together! Good luck!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You can put it out now. They'll nibble on it, mostly out of curiosity, but they seem to know when they really start to need it and then the girls will take it more regularly.

X2
A few curious pecks is all anyone not in need of it will invest

 

[BirdHead]

I like to use bluebonnet game conditioner on my layers, as it has pellets already (and tons of grains for a hardy gizzard) but I also mix in some more pellets either feather fixer or layer depending on the time of year, also roosters can have layer feed I've read a lot of people giving it as a whole feed to their flocks.

Im starting my own mixes of feed though after this bag of conditioner and feather feed is gone! Been reading about lots of good things chickens could eat but never see them in feeds! So I get to make a unique blend

Oyster shell and grit should be readily available anytime during a chickens life, however as chickens it needs to be crumbled! Happy Squaking!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I like to use bluebonnet game conditioner on my layers, as it has pellets already (and tons of grains for a hardy gizzard) but I also mix in some more pellets either feather fixer or layer depending on the time of year, also roosters can have layer feed I've read a lot of people giving it as a whole feed to their flocks.

Im starting my own mixes of feed though after this bag of conditioner and feather feed is gone! Been reading about lots of good things chickens could eat but never see them in feeds! So I get to make a unique blend

Oyster shell and grit should be readily available anytime during a chickens life, however as chickens it needs to be crumbled! Happy Squaking!

Riders can eat layer, yes, but the calcium content is excessive for their need and the excess calcium is stored in the body(laying birds shed it in firm of egg shell) which causes long tetm damage to internal organs, circulatory system, etc.

 

[lilmarie84]

well turns out that I after I posted this my red sex link laid her egg so now I know for sure to start putting it out for them

In the future, you can save yourself some grief and money by feeding the entire flock either an All Flock or Grower.

Thanks for the advice All Flock is the feed I use

 

[lilmarie84]

Riders can eat layer, yes, but the calcium content is excessive for their need and the excess calcium is stored in the body(laying birds shed it in firm of egg shell) which causes long tetm damage to internal organs, circulatory system, etc.

I have read that in a lot of threads thats why I don't use layer feed

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

well turns out that I after I posted this my red sex link laid her egg so now I know for sure to start putting it out for them



Thanks for the advice All Flock is the feed I use

congrats on the first and here's to many more to come

 

[Blooie]

Yayyy for first eggs!!!

 

[BirdHead]

Riders can eat layer, yes, but the calcium content is excessive for their need and the excess calcium is stored in the body(laying birds shed it in firm of egg shell) which causes long tetm damage to internal organs, circulatory system, etc.

Good to know! Luckily I haven't bought layer feed since April!

I do know of excessive protein and some others but did not know layer feed had excessive calcium! Another reason I want to mix my own! Only bad thing is pellet presses are super expensive ! So I may have to just get my own blend pressed at a mill but afraid long term I'll spend more money that way.

And goodluck Marie ! If you prefer simplicity always buy a bag of your pelleted feed and a bag of scratch! Variety is good