So, my cockeral is eating oyster shell...

[DragonBearMomma]

..... because he saw my (so far) one laying hen eating it, so he shoved her out of the way and dug in. This dude is seriously trying my patience.

The only 3 things he does that are even remotely rooster-ish are constant crowing, trying to mount the same 2 pullets (and NOT the one actually laying ) every 30 seconds, and guarding said laying hen while she's in the coop laying her egg.

Otherwise, he's got either a me-first attitude about all food & yard findings, and is absolutely clueless about where the girls are at any given moment. My Delaware is better at watching the flock than he is. But you better believe that when SHE sounds an alarm or a notice of goodies, he's the FIRST one bulling his way through the crowd for either protection, or first dibs.

Please tell me a): that he won't suffer any ill effects from eating oyster shell, and b): that this is only temporary. He doesn't have enough meat on his bones to eat.

 

[LaFleche]

..... because he saw my (so far) one laying hen eating it, so he shoved her out of the way and dug in. This dude is seriously trying my patience.

The only 3 things he does that are even remotely rooster-ish are constant crowing, trying to mount the same 2 pullets (and NOT the one actually laying ) every 30 seconds, and guarding said laying hen while she's in the coop laying her egg.

Otherwise, he's got either a me-first attitude about all food & yard findings, and is absolutely clueless about where the girls are at any given moment. My Delaware is better at watching the flock than he is. But you better believe that when SHE sounds an alarm or a notice of goodies, he's the FIRST one bulling his way through the crowd for either protection, or first dibs.

Please tell me a): that he won't suffer any ill effects from eating oyster shell, and b): that this is only temporary. He doesn't have enough meat on his bones to eat.

That's just how youngsters often behave, as they still need a lot of protein for themselves to grow. You can often see adult and usually very caring roosters help themselves first during molting time.
So it should be temporary, in case it is not, you can always invite him to make a nice chicken soup.

If he does not eat lots of oyster shell on a regular basis, this one time will not harm him, he might even need some to strengthen his still growing bones.

 

[saysfaa]

Does he eat grit also? In case the oyster shell is the closest thing he has found to grit.

 

[DragonBearMomma]

Does he eat grit also? In case the oyster shell is the closest thing he has found to grit.

He's been on grit with the girls since they were 5 weeks. The oyster shell was added yesterday when I discovered one of my 5 pullets had begun laying the day before (didn't have any on hand, since they were only 18 weeks). But he's like this with ALL the food things. If one of the girls are eating it, he HAS to.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's likely more curiosity than anything else. If chickens (especially young ones) see another chicken eating something, it must be good and therefore they want it too. He may taper off on it once he's satisfied his curiosity.

 

[Chickassan]

He's a man, they're going to do what they are going to do until they either get hurt or get bored so don't stress over it.

 

[theoldchick]

He'll be fine. I try to provide several different food stations for those who are less hoggish to get a chance to eat. In my flock its the hens who are pigs so I throw food in several areas so they can get exercise while eating.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Mine has investigated the oyster shell and eggshell as well. I just roll my eyes at it. Silly boys.