Will chicks eat calcium if available

[Scotty from BI]

with my previous flock, I threw calcium and grit around the run on the ground so the laying chickens would get it while they were just grazing as a more natural distribution than putting it in a dish or something. But now I have a replacement flock of baby's that I will be putting in the run at about 8 weeks. They will be too young to get supplemental oyster shells but it is embedded in the soil throughout the run. Will the youngsters eat the oyster shells or just ignore it since they don't need it biologically? Or do I need to clean the top layer of dirt from my run. It is a very big run.

 

[ngennetta]

We have oyster shell in a rabbit feeder, free feed. They just get it whenever. I would just put out a dispenser and they will consume is as needed. Easier for them to find than embedded in the soil as well

 

[Pork Pie]

They should ignore it. Either way, it wouldn't be the end of the world if they consume some. I wouldn't sweat it, personally.

 

[Scotty from BI]

Thanks, I was afraid i would have to remove about 5 yatds of oyster shell filled dirt. That would be a task.