Fed Layer Feed Too Soon

[Sic]

I buy Manna Pro oyster shell. It just needs to be in a container that drains if it gets wet. Live and learn…

Well, I'll repeat what I said. That isn't real oyster shells, I would stop buying it. I live on an island in a rain forest, I grind my own shells, the shells do not dissolve in rain water or reform into a cement.

 

[Sic]

I buy Manna Pro oyster shell. It just needs to be in a container that drains if it gets wet. Live and learn…

Mystery solved. The ingredients on manna pro oyster shell calcium supplement lets you know that this is a highly processed product.
Ingredients: Oyster shell and coral calcium. Coral calcium is harvested by grinding up above-ground limestone deposits that were once part of a coral reef. Coral calcium is a powdered limestone, usually has a plethora of trace minerals such as calcium, boron, copper, fluoride, iodine, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, rubidium, selenium, silicon, strontium, sulphur, vanadium and zinc. Limestone is an essential component in the production of cement, which is one of the primary ingredients in concrete. So this explains why your 'oyster shell' dissolved and turned into a type of oyster cement. Actual broken oyster shells (which are made of calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxyapatite) take years to dissolve, but wouldn't reform into cement. We have an endless supply of shells on our beach, some broken in small pieces, our boys are attracted to the abalone shells, maybe because of their iridescence, they tidbit these to the girls.

 

[AntiqueB]

We had an oyster shell shortage a few years back, and I had to buy processed. They did not like it. They ate the remaining real oyster shell first, then egg shells, then the limestone/oyster. I get real shells from Scratch & Peck. They get wet, and don't turn into cement. They do take forever to dry out, though, so I make sure to keep them dry.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I live in metro Atlanta, not much choice except to buy the processed here.

 

[Sic]

I live in metro Atlanta, not much choice except to buy the processed here.

If it's fine for you and your chickens and you're happy with it, why not. If you'd prefer to use just shells, you can likely get some through online purchase. Just look for 100% crushed oyster shells, (pretty much all sea shells have the same composition though) real shells don't absorb water nor need to dry out after getting wet, the hens will not need to continually eat it, as it doesn't readily dissolve, so you'll likely save money and know exactly what your hens are eating. Photo for reference of what real crushed oyster shell should look like:

And in the landscape, it makes a lovely walkway

A quick online search I found this, so real shell is available if someone wants it.
https://www.amazon.ca/Crushed-Calcium-Supplement-Backyard-Chickens/dp/B0BBQJ5R6F

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you'd prefer to use just shells, you can likely get some through online purchase. Just look for 100% crushed oyster shells, (pretty much all sea shells have the same composition though)

x2. This is the one I buy from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Small-Pet-Select-Oyster-Shell/dp/B07R247HPH/ . Scratch & Peck is available locally but during Covid they had supply chain issues and it turns out, my flock prefers this over S&P so they intake it more readily. Note that it's not all oyster but a mix of seashell pieces (looks like clam and scallop in there at the very least).

 

[PatriciafromCO]

Thanks! Is there an organic corn free all flock feed you might suggest?

I just started using New Country Organics online they have a good variety of feed ingredients to choose from.

 

[Bawkbok]

Is it possible I've permanently ruined their systems by feeding layer feed too early?

I also fed layer feed when we acquired our 4-5 month old pullets and fed it to them for weeks. They suddenly stopped eating all together. I switched to All Flock - 20% protein, they now eat readily at all times of the day without issue. Their combs are growing better and they look healthier, feathers have more sheen. I was worried about the permanent damage but there is no point in worrying over something that cannot be changed. Onward we go. I don't intend to ever buy layer feed again, regardless of age differences.

They have access to oyster shell and grit at all times and never eat it from what I can tell. It is in the same place and yes, after a rain, the oyster shell turns to a concrete goo. After reading all the posts here on oyster shell - I now realize the 50lb bag of the white concrete rocks is not real oyster shell. I appreciate the link Sic included for the real deal, I just never thought to question the stuff I purchased from the feed store. I'm spending a small fortune on all my mistakes made, not really mistakes, just bad choices, i.e., feeders, waterers, feed, oyster shell.

I appreciate this forum and am grateful I found BYC to gain insight from so many others.