Will oyster shells hurt non-layers?

[Bear4boo]

One of our hens staring laying today! We put some oyster shells out now that we have a layer. The other hens who aren’t laying yet are eating the shells too. Is it ok for them to do that? It was my understanding that they would only eat it if they need it but they all seem pretty excited by a new dish in there lol. Is it possible they think it’s grit?

 

[nuthatched]

Yes, they can eat it, move, it won't hurt them. It will help them not get rickets when they srltart laying.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Are the others close in age? If yes, they may be stocking up a bit of calcium before they too start laying. If they're noticeably younger they may be eating it out of curiosity, but they shouldn't want to continue doing that long term.

 

[Bear4boo]

Are the others close in age? If yes, they may be stocking up a bit of calcium before they too start laying. If they're noticeably younger they may be eating it out of curiosity, but they shouldn't want to continue doing that long term.

Yep! All the same age!