When to feed oyster shells...

[tripletfeb]

Hi all! I have 5 pullets, all almost 19 weeks old. Two(SLW and EE) are acting like they might start laying soon, very red combs and they are getting more vocal by the day. The other 3 don't seem to be getting ready to lay. I know it can be awhile yet for any of them to lay but my question is, when should I start offering oyster shell free choice? Right now I feed them Purina starter/grower. I want to finish the bag before I switch them to a layer feed. Is it bad to feed oyster shell free choice before they start laying? Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I always put out a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs before they start to lay. They will self regulate their needs. I personally don't feed a layer. I would leave them on the flock raiser or grower for that extra bit of protein especially if you feed extra stuff.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I recommend offering oyster shell when your pullets are 17-18 weeks old. Since they are 19 weeks, they are ready for it.
Good luck! Hope you find fresh eggs soon!

 

[snow5164]

I’d add the oyster shells and pick up that layer now , they’re ready .

I tried grower and got soft eggs,I’d rather give them layer mine still eat the oyster shells along with it .

Good luck it’s almost egg time

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I’d add the oyster shells and pick up that layer now , they’re ready .

I tried grower and got soft eggs,I’d rather give them layer mine still eat the oyster shells along with it .

Good luck it’s almost egg time

Soft shelled eggs are usually from stress, not a calcium deficiency. The eggs come out before the shell is applied.

When pullets start there isn't usually a need for calcium as it will be pulled out of their bones, but it's good to make oyster shells available.

Laying a few shell less eggs initially can be normal as the system fires up and pullets get used to the new sensations. It has nothing to do with feeding a layer or not. I haven't fed a layer for 5 years, and I actually see less shell less eggs than I did on a layer.

 

[tripletfeb]

Thanks all! I will offer the oyster shell tomorrow. Im still thinking I will switch them to a layer feed when this bag runs out. I heard the extra protein was not needed. They do free range for a little bit every day but I don't feed them corn or scratch at all. They do get meal worms every so often. Lots of different opinions on food, that's why I like to hear what everyone has to say!

 

[snow5164]

Ok ,
I literally switched to grower and saw a number of thin shelled eggs and switched back and the situation improved . I buy layer because that’s what it’s for , I’ve had good success with it for over 4 years and won’t mess with it .

Do your research and decide , you need to know why you do something and be able to back it up ,

Good luck and have fun

 

[aart]

Just going by 'starter' or 'grower' is not enough info...
....need to look at the protein and calcium percentages.

I've always used 20% flock raiser and oyster shells in a separate container,
never had any overall soft shell problems.
Tho I did have to urge some pullets to partake of the shell, when they were separate from the hens, by sprinkling a bit of OS on top of their feed...also read to sprinkle some scratch grain or feed on top of OS to bring their attention to them.

 

[snow5164]

Is there no calcium in flock raiser or all flock ? I can’t get any of that stuff here , but I’m near small rural towns ....

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is there no calcium in flock raiser or all flock ? I can’t get any of that stuff here , but I’m near small rural towns ....

Most all flocks, or flock raisers have as much calcium as a grower which is about .08 to 1.5 percent. A layer generally has around 4 percent. I'm rural. There still farm stores, feed stores and tractor supplies around, just gotta drive a bit like I do for most things being rural.