A while back I read an article in the Poultry Press that mentioned that a rooster should not have free access to the oyster shell I have available for my hens. Am I doing them a disservice by allowing them to eat oyster shell? Is this only one person opinion? I would be interested in reading other knowledgeable persons opinions on this subject. Thanks
Big Beard, great question! That's something I haven't thought about.. are you supplying the oystershell separate from their feed, free access? and the roo's are eating it? For some reason, I just didn't think they would.. :-/ Please, someone, explain this!
Huh. Interesting. My birds are mixed so I sure can't figure a way to get it to the hens but not the roosters. I honestly have never seen my roosters eat oyster shell. I have seen them show it to the girls and I do see the girls eating it. I have never had a health problem with the roosters and oyster shell is always available here. Hmmmm.
BigBeard, Is it a case of "what's good for the goose is good for the gander??"
By Cochima on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 08:42 am:
By Susie (Susied) on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 09:20 am:
Anybody else have a thought or comment on this one?
Susie
By Cjeanr on Sunday, June 16, 2002 - 02:36 pm:
Even offering free choice to laying hens is "their" choice--just like free range birds. If chickens have free choice, don't worry that the roosters will tank up on oystershells as they would scratch feed! It is mineral and their system will absorb what it needs.
It may be somewhat like our needing to take a drink of water--a hen will take a ration of oystershell--our systems "tell" us. Certainly the hens will eat a lot of oystershell if they have it free choice and grit, too, according to their "need". I mix grit and OS in the same container, and let each choose what they want! Do you take a mineral suppliment? It is your free choice!
Not to worry! CJR