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I've got some oyster shell for my girls, do I add this to there food (layers pellets) or do I put it in a seperate bowl for them??
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I offer crushed shell in a bowl mixed with the other grit, but I also scatter it with their evening corn so I know they will peck some up when they eat the corn. There doesn't seem to be much going from the bowl but I know they eat the grit that gets scattered. Belt and braces really!Whoever plants a garden believes in the future.
www.vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated March 9th - Spring -
I have 2 bowls with grit and oyster shell, and once a week I throw handfuls of both about so they can search and peck too.
So basically, what Flum said...
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As far as I know, grit is used by the chooks in there crop to grind up food (especially corn)
Oyster shell is used to give them extra calcium for when they are laying.(helps make egg shells)
If you don't give them corn and only feed with layers/growers pellets or mash, you don't need grit.
Likewise chooks not laying shouldn't need the extra calcium from oyster shell.
Or have I got it wrong?
Personally, if I feed them corn I mix grit with it and scatter it. If I was feeding mixed corn alone (which some people do) I would also add the oyster shell and scatter it as well!
My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)
Diversify & prosper
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Pretty much the same for me. i have 3 chooks and throw a handful in their run 1 - 2 times a week at most. When I'm cleaning them out I stash little piles of it in the tyre, under leaves, moss etc cos my girls aren't free range anymore (big run though) so I like to think it adds interest to their day looking for stones n things.
I don't do it with corn though so any undiscovered 'surprises' won't encourage the local rat pack to move in.
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I thought you had to use grit even with layers pellets.. I have been feeding mine pellets, grit and oyster shell and as recently as yesterday started baking and grinding their own shells and given them back to them.
Grit and shell is mixed together in a seperate feeder than their pellets.
I've not had any problems from them, so they must be ok with it!Comment
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I use layers pellets and give mixed grit and oyster shell both in bowls and scattered. I also give baked egg shells and limestone flour everyday and still get the occasional soft egg. I think these ex-batts seem to have used all their calcium reserves up in their first year. Wasted eggs don't bother me but laying softies seems to make the girls very off colour so I will do anything I think will help.Comment
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