When should I introduce Oyster Shell?

[AccioSarah]

Just wondering how old my chicks should be before I start offering it to them.

Also- what's the best way to give it to them? And How much?

 

[jerseygirl1]

When they start laying, not before - I give mine in their food, or in a seperate feeder and they munch when they need it

 

[Mahonri]

at appearance of first egg.

 

[elmo]

What the others have said...don't offer oyster shell until your hens are laying. I offer it in a small cup, free choice. That way I can monitor how much they're consuming and add more when they need it.

p.s. grit (granite chips) is a completely different thing, of course. I take standard sized grit, grind it down with a mortar and pestle, and offer that in a separate cup to my chicks as soon they're eating anything other than chick starter.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

You can offer it to them now, but if they are not laying yet chances are they'll completely ignore it past the first exploratory peck. They won't develop an interest until they begin laying.