The only difference in grower feed and layer is usually the calcium content. That's what people are warning you about, extended use of calcium rich feed when chickens are not laying which would expel the extra calcium instead of building up in kidney. To me there is no benefit in using layer feed as I keep cockerels/cockbirds and grow out birds every spring/summer. I use a grower, unmedicated starter or some type of all flock feed depending on what I want for protein at that given time.
Oyster shells are so easy to use. I don't use a container or leave it out all the time. When birds start to squat letting me know they are point of lay I start tossing a handful of oyster on the ground once a week. That's it. Simple. Feed stores sell it in bulk form, ask at the counter and don't pay the over priced one pound bags. Get 5 or 10 pounds bulk and that will last you a very long time. If your egg shells don't have enough thickness to your liking then toss a two handfuls once a week on ground.
Oyster shells are so easy to use. I don't use a container or leave it out all the time. When birds start to squat letting me know they are point of lay I start tossing a handful of oyster on the ground once a week. That's it. Simple. Feed stores sell it in bulk form, ask at the counter and don't pay the over priced one pound bags. Get 5 or 10 pounds bulk and that will last you a very long time. If your egg shells don't have enough thickness to your liking then toss a two handfuls once a week on ground.
