Seashells and chicks

[Tastelikechickn]

My dad just gave me a bucket of crushed seashells for my chickens. I understand that some owners add it to their feed as a calcium supplement. I have four chicks that are about a month old.

I'm interested to know what people think about giving their chickens crushed seashells, and should I let my chicks have them or hold off until they are older.

 

[Judy]

Calcium is offered to laying hens to help with eggshell formation. It should definitely not be given to month old chicks -- or, really, any chickens except laing hens, and then it should not be added to the feed, it should be offered separately, so they only get it if they need it.

Seashells have a lot of sodium on them which must be rinsed off well before offering them to chickens.

Read here:

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

 

[Tastelikechickn]

Yeah, giving it to chicks didn't sound right to me. Thanks for the link.

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Calcium is offered to laying hens to help with eggshell formation.  It should definitely not be given to month old chicks -- or, really, any chickens except laing hens, and then it should not be added to the feed, it should be offered separately, so they only get it if they need it.

Seashells have a lot of sodium on them which must be rinsed off well before offering them to chickens.

Read here:

http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=36

I do agree.