when to put out Oyster Shells? Or not?

[vweers]

I have 6 chickens and they range from about 17 to 20 weeks. None are laying quite yet but at least one has started to squat some. They are still on grower's feed and I still have about a half a bag left so I am wondering if I need to put out oyster shells out for those who will start laying before I finish this bag out. I went to the store where I got the feed and they said it was okay to wait until at least 50% of the flock were laying before making sure they had calcium since the first eggs aren't great regardless if calcium was available. What do you all do?

 

[pdirt]

It's not that big of a deal right away.

You can go ahead and put out the oyster shell now or just wait until one or more is laying. They won't eat much of it unless they need it, so there's no harm putting it out now.

 

[19564x4]

Is the oyster shell just placed in a bowl for the chickens or is it mixed in with the feed?

Smitty

 

[19564x4]

Is the oyster shell just placed in a bowl for the chickens or is it mixed in with the feed?

Smitty

I just found the post about not mixing the oyster shell with the feed below.

Thanks,
Smitty