~Question About The Oystershell & Grit~

[Mourningdove]

Hi all,
I have been feeding my birds layer crumbles & scratch mixed together
2x a day, while scattering the grit periodically so they can eat it at will, not to mention food scraps when I have it

Now I have descided to divide my big coop & run in half and splitting the 2 roosters up with their own hens.....
Today we went to the feed store to buy all the materials needed to do this. While there I went ahead and bought all the feed needed as we were almost out. I also bought dehydrated lyme for oder (as this store doesn't carry the DE) and I bought the Oystershell for the 1st time as I read here that my girls need it.
So here is the question.......
Once I get things set up and birds in their seperate coops do you think if I include a bucket with Oystershell & grit mixed together that they will eat it at will? Or shall I just mix it into their feed?
Which way is the best way?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd keep the oyster shell separate and let them decide how much they want. If you mix it with their food or the grit, they can't control how much they eat. They may get too much or may not get enough.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[Mourningdove]

perfectly! So basically your saying 2 seperate containers 1 for grit & 1 for the oystershell?

 

[TXmom]

Me personally...I would put the oyster shell in a container, and throw grit on the ground (in nature they would eat it off the ground), and also throw the scratch on the ground instead of mixing it in their food (it's called scratch because they like to scratch and peck for it). Just my opinion....

 

[jjdward]

I have three containers, one for feed, one for grit, and one for shell. All of which are in fron of them at all times. The grit and shell will be eaten when they want. I agree that if you mix them in with the feed that the chickens will not be able to eat feed without getting grit and shell. Thats just me

 

[dipence71]

I mix my grit and feed. I haven't started the oyster shell yet as they aren't laying yet.

They are doing fine on it and it saves room.