Oysters for non layers

[missmychicks]

One of my three hens has started laying, do I start intigrating layer feed? WIll it hurt the two who are not yet laying? I put oyster shells down thinking only the layer would somehow know she needed the extra calcium, but they all devoured it.
What should I do to get enough calcium for the one without hurting the other two?
TYIA!

 

[50-45-1]

Yes, start the layer feed.
And just so you know, the crushed oyster shell should be free choice at all times and fed from it's own container in a dry location.
If it gets wet the calcium will leach away.
Also to grind the nutrients out of oyster shell, a chicken needs grit in its gizzard. Something sometimes forgotten by folks. Especially if your birds are confined or caged.
My flock free ranges and I offer oyster shell and granite grit anyway. These 2 item are a couple of the less expensive items you can buy for your chickens.
Problems including death can arise if hens lack these. Just good insurance.
Good luck!

 

[Sussex19]

Same as the above, and it's fine if the others want to eat it as.
Mine will start consuming it a good few weeks before they start laying.

 

[Arivis2]

One of my three hens has started laying, do I start intigrating layer feed? WIll it hurt the two who are not yet laying? I put oyster shells down thinking only the layer would somehow know she needed the extra calcium, but they all devoured it.
What should I do to get enough calcium for the one without hurting the other two?
TYIA!

I have the same question. I'm combining pullets with my hens. How can we safely feed the flock?

 

[Sally PB]

I feed an all flock style of feed (Kalmback's Flock Maker) that is 20% protein. I have 12 week old pullets, 2 and 3 year old hens, and rooster. I have grit, oyster shell, and crushed egg shells on the side.

 

[Arivis2]

I feed an all flock style of feed (Kalmback's Flock Maker) that is 20% protein. I have 12 week old pullets, 2 and 3 year old hens, and rooster. I have grit, oyster shell, and crushed egg shells on the side.

Thank you! I will do the same