When to start feeding oyster shells?

[diannarelli]

I have 5 hens ( 2 Buttercup and 3 Blue Andalusian) that are a little over 19 weeks old. They have been on Purina Layena SunFresh Recipe since about 16 or 17 weeks (I switched them a little earlier than the bag recommended because I was at the end of a starter bag and knew I wouldn't get through another one for a while with only 5 hens - but they are happy as can be). Yesterday I bought crushed oyster shells and mixed it in there food for the first time. I assumed that you would want to start providing it before they start producing eggs so you get good eggs from the get-go, however I have been reading that you should not begin providing the oyster shell until the hen has begun laying. Does it really matter?
Also any advise from owners of these breeds as to when they may begin laying? (I am hoping in the next month or so!?)

Thanks for any input you can provide me (this is obviously my first time raising hens from the begining!)

-D

 

[BellaBokBok]

My pullets are yet to start egg laying but I've been reading alot about oyster shells and all I gather is that people don't give the oyster shells until they find the first egg,then they know that the hen is ready

 

[coffeekittie]

I have chickens of all ages and I mix in oyster shell about once a week - they all get it. I didn't know you weren't "supposed" to give non-laying hens any shell - why? Is the extra calcium not good for them? The smallest birds don't really seem to eat it anyway as many of the pieces are larger than they want to eat.

Now I am concerned and would also like feedback.

Thank you,
Parker

 

[coolcanoechic]

That is what I was wondering too. My pullets are 18 or 19 weeks old now, and last night I put some oyster shell out for them. I figured they are getting close to laying now and probably will start needing the extra calcium. Now I am wondering if I should take it back out.

 

[Kim95037]

If your hens get out and free range, they typically dont need oyster shells. However some chicken feed has some oyster shells mixed in with it. The place I buy my feed with they add it to the mix ground up. I think the best thing to do is wait and see how your eggs turn out and if the shells are weak then maybe supplement their diet with some oyster shell.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Oyster shells is a calcium carbonate supplement. There is already a lot of calcium supplement in Layer formula feed. (pre-laying birds do not need the supplement and long term feeding of high calcium to younger birds can indeed be problematic) One reason people provide the calcium supplement is because a high portion of their hen's diet may come from other food stuffs than merely the Layer, and/or they don't feed a Layer mix of feed at all. Sometimes people have hens that seem to lay a thinner shelled egg and the hope is that extra calcium will be of some help. If egg shells remain strong from diet alone, many people never provide the supplemental shells.

A hen needs more than just a calcium carbonate source, however. She also needs vitamins in order to process or take up that calcium. Most hens take in Vitamin D from sunlight, just as we do, for example.

 

[coolcanoechic]

Oyster shells is a calcium carbonate supplement. There is already a lot of calcium supplement in Layer formula feed. (pre-laying birds do not need the supplement and long term feeding of high calcium to younger birds can indeed be problematic) One reason people provide the calcium supplement is because a high portion of their hen's diet may come from other food stuffs than merely the Layer, and/or they don't feed a Layer mix of feed at all. Sometimes people have hens that seem to lay a thinner shelled egg and the hope is that extra calcium will be of some help. If egg shells remain strong from diet alone, many people never provide the supplemental shells.

A hen needs more than just a calcium carbonate source, however. She also needs vitamins in order to process or take up that calcium. Most hens take in Vitamin D from sunlight, just as we do, for example.

Oh thank you!

I will remove the oyster shell right away!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Oh thank you!

I will remove the oyster shell right away!

Only because your birds are not quite laying yet, and you are already feeding Layer, right? So, take some time. See how things go. Keep the shells dry, in storage. They'll be fine and some day, down the road? You might employ their use.

 

[diannarelli]

Great information. It is funny because I read above that if the are free range you don't need to feed oyster shells and on other posts I have read that that is when you do. My chickens have a hoop coop and they spend a couple hours a day or every other day free ranging around the yard (I live in a neighborhood so I can't let them explore to far)! I also spoil them will lots of treats! I have not really noticed any signs such as squatting that they are getting ready to lay. Maybe my subconscious was hoping that if I put the oyster shell in, eggs would come out, haha. I will let them finish the feed that is in the coop now (because I mix the oyster shell with their feed) and then hold of until they start laying!

 

[coolcanoechic]

Only because your birds are not quite laying yet, and you are already feeding Layer, right? So, take some time. See how things go. Keep the shells dry, in storage. They'll be fine and some day, down the road? You might employ their use.

Oh no. They are still eating the grower mix. I just got another big bag of the grower since I ran out. I plan to start the layer mix after they start laying.