When is a good time...?

[Blue_Myst]

To introduce oyster shell to maturing chickens? I know I'm supposed to wait until they are of 'egg-laying age', but does this mean I shouldn't feed them any until they actually lay an egg, or until they turn a certain age? I was hoping to introduce new chickens to the flock when they are around 3 or 4 months old, but my older hens always have oyster shell available, and I don't want these younger hens living with the older ones if the oyster shell will still harm them at that age.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

They wont pay them any attention. You should be fine. Just dont mix it in there food.

 

[crazzzymike13]

Chickens will eat what they need. When they start laying put some oyster shell in a feeder so they can eat it when they need it. You can even put eggs shells in the microwave or bake them for a few minutes and crush them and they will eat them too.

Mike The Rooster Man

 

[gritsar]

If you are going to be raising different ages together, you might consider feeding them all flock raiser instead of two different feeds. Then just offer the oyster shell free choice and the hens that need it will take it.

 

[Blue_Myst]

Thanks for all the replies!

If you are going to be raising different ages together, you might consider feeding them all flock raiser instead of two different feeds.

So, I should still feed them their chick food until they start laying? Would my other hens (around three or four years old) be all right if I fed them the chick food temporarily too?

 

[11langenkamp_w]

How long would you put the egg shells in the microwave

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
So, I should still feed them their chick food until they start laying? Would my other hens (around three or four years old) be all right if I fed them the chick food temporarily too?

No, flock raiser is not the same as chick starter. It's an all-in-one feed that you can give to the different ages of chickens and can also be fed to ducks, geese, game fowl, etc.

 

[Blue_Myst]

No, flock raiser is not the same as chick starter. It's an all-in-one feed that you can give to the different ages of chickens and can also be fed to ducks, geese, game fowl, etc.

Wow, that sure sounds useful! I'll definitely have to look into that!​

 

[stormylady]

I called Ideal about feeding my babies treats and they actually suggested oyster shell! Who'd of guessed? Not me thats for sure. LOL Sandy