When to give oyster shells?

[Katieasaur]

Hi, I have 4 chicks that are now 6 days old. I am curious when I should start giving them oyster shells and a salt lick and if there is anything else I should give them.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Chickens do NOT need a salt lick.

Oyster shell can be given once pullets begin laying.

 

[Katieasaur]

thanks, because I didn't think they needed a salt like but then I was told where I got them that you do but thanks

 

[Katieasaur]

what about the (i know im going to spell this wrong) diatomatcious earth for dust baths, need or not?

 

[bdcraig]

Can one buy oyster shells? I mean, just the shells, if you do not eat oysters>

 

[TheRookie]

You can buy bags of crushed oyster shells at most feed stores. I know my local TSC and Southern States both carry it.

 

[bdcraig]

Thanks

 

[Dingo]

what about the (i know im going to spell this wrong) diatomatcious earth for dust baths, need or not?

Entirely up to you.

 

[LaynaDon95]

what about the (i know im going to spell this wrong) diatomatcious earth for dust baths, need or not?

Mine loved it. It creates an unsightly amount of dust, though; so you might want to wait until they are moved outside (assuming they are inside) until you give it to them. Mine like to dust bathe in their sand and it doesn't create hardly any dust.

I'm not kidding when I say DE creates an unsightly amount of dust. Everything around the brooder will have a thick layer of DE dust on it within hours of putting it in. I'm just trying to emphasize that in case you have, say, your homework sitting next to the brooder... Not that I would know anything about that from personal experience or anything... I've just heard.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

what about the (i know im going to spell this wrong) diatomatcious earth for dust baths, need or not?

Katie, your baby chicks really don't need anything but chick feed, fresh water, clean bedding and the appropriate warmth for their age.