When should I feed my chickens calcium?

[Clucky_Ellie123]

My pullets are 17 (nearly 18) weeks old and are nearly at point of lay. I was wondering when I should start feeding them calcium eg. egg shells, oyster shells etc. Should I start feeding them before they start laying or after they key their first egg? Also, when should I switch to feeding them layer feed?

 

[Brooks_]

I wait until first egg, but I also think 18 wks is reasonable.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Oyster shell should be in a separate dish, on the side, so they can eat it - or not - as they need it.

You should NOT, assuming you are the typical backyard owner, with the typical backyard flock, following typical backyard flock management practices, switch to layer feed, ever. Stick with All Flock/Flock Raiser.

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Now is probably a good time for both unless you have a really late maturing breed like silkies. Some people also wait until the first egg which won’t hurt anything.

 

[K0k0shka]

I don't like layer feed either. Chickens' calcium needs vary throughout the year and throughout their lives. They know best how much they need and when, and ideally should be allowed to regulate it themselves. Much better than a flat ration mixed with the feed. Give them flock raiser / all flock feed, and provide the calcium on the side. You can give it to them on the side at any time. Even now. When they start needing it, they'll know, and they'll eat as much as they need to.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I offer Oyster Shells in a separate container after 15 weeks old.

They'll get a craving for calcium a couple of weeks before the first egg and take as needed.
I rarely get soft shells or thin shelled eggs from new layers. GC

 

[Clucky_Ellie123]

Should I start feeding them oyster shells now?

 

[GC-Raptor]

Clucky_Ellie123 said;
Should I start feeding them Oyster Shells now?

My pullets are 17 (nearly 18) weeks old and are nearly at point of lay.

Yes, offer Oyster Shells in a separate container. GC