Oyster shells

[ChickenDude12345]

My chickens are 18 weeks old today. When should I put out oyster shell? Some of them look close to laying but are still small. should I just put it out now and they will use it when they start laying?

 

[DobieLover]

My chickens are 18 weeks old today. When should I put out oyster shell? Some of them look close to laying but are still small. should I just put it out now and they will use it when they start laying?

It won't hurt to put it out now. What are you feeding them for their regular diet?

 

[WIchickMama]

I agree, you can put it out in a separate dish. If they need it they will eat it. I found mine disliked the Manna Pro brand pebbles but eat up oyster shell flakes which I was only able to find online from Scratch and Peck.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

It won't hurt to put it out now. What are you feeding them for their regular diet?

I have been feeding them flock raiser

 

[DobieLover]

I have been feeding them flock raiser

Excellent choice. Good for life.

 

[ChickenDude12345]

I agree, you can put it out in a separate dish. If they need it they will eat it. I found mine disliked the Manna Pro brand pebbles but eat up oyster shell flakes which I was only able to find online from Scratch and Peck.

I got some of the pebbles from my local blue seal and I will put them out tonight

 

[ChickenDude12345]

Excellent choice. Good for life.

Yes I have heard a lot of good things and my chickens love it!

 

[ChickenDude12345]

I agree, you can put it out in a separate dish. If they need it they will eat it. I found mine disliked the Manna Pro brand pebbles but eat up oyster shell flakes which I was only able to find online from Scratch and Peck.

Ok

 

[ChickenDude12345]

It won't hurt to put it out now. What are you feeding them for their regular diet?

Update. I put it out at five last night and when I came to walk them up at seven there was oyster shell everywhere around a little dish. This morning they went right to it and started pulling all the oyster shell out of the container and onto the ground and look like they’re eating a lot of it. I’m a little worried about their well-being. What should I do? Leave it or take it out

 

[aart]

What should I do? Leave it or take it out

If they are gorging on it, I'd take it out.
Put it back once you start to see eggs.