Calcium Supplements For Chickens Uk? The 41 Latest Answer

Poultry expert Sue Clarke explains how to feed your hens the right amount of calcium and grist to lay good eggs

We all want our birds to have the best nutrition, but do they need extra calcium? Or grit? Or is it all the same? Poultry expert Sue Clarke explains.

Words: Sue Clarke

Almost everyone who keeps poultry or intends to do so knows that chickens need grit to make clams.

The catch is that there are two types of grit that serve two different purposes, and they really need both.

1. SOLUBLE GRAINS

There is soluble sand that dissolves in the bird’s digestive system. This is predominantly calcium based and can be in the form of limestone (calcium carbonate), either as small chips or ground flour in commercial poultry feed, or as crushed oyster or mussel shells. You can also make your own soluble semolina from and crushed eggshells.

Soluble semolina must be provided in a separate bowl from a hen’s main diet. A commercial poultry feed already contains this type of grits, so it should be free to eat more than that for hens who need more. Forcing a bird to eat too much calcium (by mixing it into their food) can be toxic.

These different forms of “grit” are essential for eggshell formation.

2. INSOLUBLE GRIT

The second form of “grit” is insoluble and remains in the bird’s gizzard*. It’s made of things like small pea-sized slivers of gravel or small rocks that birds pick up when they’re allowed to roam outside.

These stones do not dissolve and do not provide calcium. Instead, they tumble around in the gizzard, a hard sac of muscle located at the top of the intestine to help grind up the fibers in vegetation and break open the hard shells of grains and seeds for a bird to eat.

This grinding allows the nutrients to be processed by digestive enzymes and absorbed into the bloodstream. Birds that are fed a diet consisting solely of porridge, crumbs, or pellets end up with a mushy mixture in their digestive system once water and saliva are added. You don’t actually need insoluble semolina for digestion, but it can still be useful to help with bowel movement.

*The harvest is the sac in the front of a bird’s chest that stores food once it’s eaten. The food then travels to the gizzard where it is ground and further digested at a later date. This is how the chicken protects itself from predators: It can eat quickly and then go to a safer place to digest its food. The food then passes through the small intestine and large intestine before the remains are expelled through the opening.

HOW MUCH CALCIUM DOES A HEN NEED?

An adult laying hen (over 18 weeks) needs between 4-5g of calcium per day, but she also needs an adequate supply of other elements to make eggshells. These include phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin D3.

A commercial laying hen feed already contains all of these micro-ingredients in a vitamin/mineral blend (plus limestone flour in the right amount) to maintain eggshell production.

However, once you start feeding supplemental grains or kitchen scraps, or let your chickens run free, levels of these essential ingredients will be diluted if the supplemental feed sources do not contain the right amounts of trace elements to make up for the deficiency.

The balance of the calcium to phosphorus ratio is critical. If you feed supplemental calcium without supplemental phosphorus, the ratio will be out of whack and shell problems may occur. What most people do when they see a faulty shell is force their birds to eat more calcium by adding it to their compound feed, but this often makes the problem worse.

Never feed supplemental calcium to birds under 18 weeks of age and never feed them layer feed. See “Too Much Calcium” below for more details.

TOO MUCH CALCIUM

Excess calcium in the diet is excreted as calcium phosphate and this leads to phosphorus deficiency. Signs of too much calcium or an imbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio are:

Pimply Eggs

Rough-ended eggs due to excessive limescale build-up

soft-shelled or shellless eggs

reduced feed consumption

reduced egg production

SUE’S ADVICE

Never add supplemental calcium in the form of oyster shell grits or limestone to a bird’s primary food source, especially a commercially produced layer feed.

If you think that your birds need additional calcium, for example, in cases where you limit the amount of laying hen feed and supplement the diet with other waste and plants, it is better to give the birds a special separate bowl of oyster shell grit or to feed limestone chips/meal so they can help themselves if needed.

WARNING:

Never add dolomitic lime to poultry feed or feed it to birds. Dolomite contains 10% magnesium, which competes with calcium for absorption sites, leading to calcium deficiency manifested by poor skeletal growth and eggshell quality problems.

OTHER REASONS FOR DEFECTIVE SHELLS

An odd-looking or missing shell does not necessarily mean there is a lack of calcium in a bird’s diet. A lack of vitamin D3 can also result in defective eggshells, shellless eggs and/or birds with problems of lameness, ie sitting around, or even death. Supplemental calcium will not cure these types of eggshell problems.

Calcium & laying hen feed

If a normal laying hen feed contains 4% calcium, a laying hen eating 120 g of feed per day will receive 4.8 g of calcium. During her egg-laying season, she may need up to 5g of calcium or more per day. Providing additional soluble grit in the form of oyster shells in a separate shell allows her to help herself when she needs it most, usually in the late afternoon when she’s forming the shell for the next day’s egg.

TOO MUCH CALCIUM

A diet that is too high in calcium can be a serious problem for young chicks and growing birds under 18 weeks of age. The recommended calcium level for these birds is 1% or less; Layer feed has up to four times that amount, so you should never feed it to birds under 18 weeks of age.

The excess calcium must be excreted through the kidneys in the form of uric acid. It is easily converted into crystals, which then block the tubules of the kidneys. This can lead to death, often several months later, when the stress and metabolic demands of laying eggs begin, or when they contract an illness such as infectious bronchitis (which can also affect the kidneys).

Too much calcium can bind phosphorus and make it unavailable. It can also cause rickets (soft/gummy bones) as well as not getting enough calcium.

A diet containing 2.5% or more calcium fed to young birds can lead to visceral gout, nephrosis and calcium urate deposits in the ureters leading from the kidneys, and sometimes high mortality.

Feeding chicks a mixed diet that includes layer feed and other leftovers can reduce the serious incidence of kidney damage from the extra calcium, but it can still cause long-term insidious damage. The laying hen feed would need to be less than a quarter of the chick’s daily food intake, and then you would need to consider the calcium content of other foods you might add, such as yogurt, milk, whey, or even dog biscuits, as these can have relatively high calcium levels.

Chicks and growing birds have relatively small appetites, so even with 50% layer feed and 50% leftovers or wheat or greens, they get twice as much calcium as they need.

Switching from Chick Starter or Grower diets to laying hen diets too early (before 18 weeks) will also result in young birds taking in more water than they need, resulting in wet droppings and chafing. This will tend to continue throughout the laying cycle as well, a condition many attribute to worms. A bird with persistent white, faecal-stained feathers under its snout during lay may only be showing signs of being fed layer feed too early.

TOO LITTLE CALCIUM

A lack of calcium in a laying hen’s diet can also lead to serious problems. Along with poorly shelled eggs, she may have osteoporosis and be unwilling to stand due to weak leg bones.

On a slightly less obvious level, a calcium deficiency will lead to poor egg production in high-yielding modern hybrids like Brown Shavers and Hylines.

To lay one egg a day, a hybrid draws on the calcium in its bones to make up for the deficiency. But after a few days of bone calcium depletion, she will take a day off to replenish egg production. In a modern hybrid that can lay one egg a day without a break for 30 or 40 days, this shows fewer eggs than it is capable of.

With a traditional breed that you don’t expect to lay as many eggs, this lack of performance may not be noticed. This is caused by birds not being fed adequate layer feed daily, or by not having extra oyster shells freely available, or by supplementing the feed with high-fiber, low-nutrient feeds such as vegetables or wheat.

This feeding scheme is usually done to save money, but you need to figure out if it makes economic sense to produce fewer eggs on cheap feed.

Calcium supplements for chickens

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Calcium supplements for chickens can help you avoid shell quality problems in your flock and it’s easy to feed. Farmers have been adding calcium to laying hen diets for generations to improve shell quality and we have learned a lot about it as a result.

Why Add Calcium?

Calcium is an essential nutrient in the poultry diet. Not only do chickens need to build and support healthy bones, but they also need enough free calcium in their diet to produce a hard eggshell.

shell error

Not all seashells are the same. An ideal shell is relatively smooth, evenly colored, and maintains a consistent shell thickness. Sometimes you get dents and debris on the shells, which isn’t a big deal. However, if you see dark spots that break more easily than the rest of the shell, you have thin spots. Additionally, if your eggs break too easily, you can experience thin shells.

soft eggs

If the shell gland does not produce a shell, a hen may lay an egg that appears to have a soft shell. If you’ve ever wondered why my chicken lays soft eggs, then you’ve seen this anomaly before.

“Soft-shelled” eggs are a bit misleading. These eggs do not have a soft shell, but rather no shell at all. These eggs only have a shell skin on the outside. The membrane usually holds the whole mess together, but it will feel like a wobbly ball of liquid.

Causes of Shellless Eggs

Shellless eggs are not usually caused by calcium deficiency. Stress, illness, or lack of proper nutrition are more likely to cause your hen to occasionally lay a “soft-shelled” egg. Shellless eggs become more common as a hen ages, so don’t be surprised if you find one every now and then.

When not to add calcium

Young birds should never eat foods rich in calcium. If they have more calcium than they can adequately absorb, they damage their kidneys and can therefore shorten their lifespan.

It’s okay to feed fledglings chicken grit, but don’t feed them oyster shells. Many people mistakenly think that these two products should always come together, so don’t assume that.

When to add calcium

If your birds are otherwise healthy but you’re noticing problems with shell quality, it’s time to add calcium supplements for chickens to your feeding regimen. Routinely finding subpar eggs in a healthy flock, such as thin shells, thin spots, and general deformities are all indicators of poor shell quality. However, lumps, bumps, and extra calcium deposits on eggshells are not resolved by adding calcium to a hen’s feed.

Molting chickens or birds that have molted at least once are old enough to receive elective chicken calcium supplements. If you’re having problems with shell quality in birds that haven’t seen their first molt, look elsewhere for your problems.

don’t overlook problems

Problems with shell quality in laying hens in the first year are usually due to management issues. So don’t assume that adding calcium will fix the problem. Some common problems that lead to reduced shell quality in first year laying hens are late switching from chick feed, poor feed selection, stress and crowding. If you get weak eggshells, make sure you’re feeding the right stuff and make sure all of your bird’s needs are met.

diseases and eggshells

Infectious bronchitis and other chicken diseases are also known to cause shell abnormalities. If you consistently see strange clams in your flock, speak to your local or state veterinarian and ask their opinion on the matter. Otherwise, healthy-looking flocks that routinely lay malformed eggs may have low-level infection. Usually, blood or fecal tests will tell the vet what they need to know.

Calcium supplements for chickens

Crushed oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium and are most commonly used by flock owners to supplement calcium in their flock. Some people also clean and shred their used eggshells and feed them to their chickens. This works very well, although it can be a bit time-consuming.

If you think it’s time to add calcium supplements for chickens to your flock’s diet, it’s a simple matter. I don’t suggest adding it directly to their regular grain, as nobody ever mixes it to their chicken’s taste. Birds will peck out and discard your oyster shell while searching for more grain, wasting your supplements.

Oysters of your choice

Chickens are quite self-regulating and know when they need a little more calcium in their diet. I suggest setting up a special feeder with crushed oyster shells in your coop or run. When your chickens need it, they will eat some. Just make sure the feeder is sheltered from rain, as wet oyster shells clump together.

Many people mix chicken meal into the mix, which is excellent if your birds don’t go outside. When your birds are out in the wild, don’t waste your time and money on litter, they’ll start looking for food anyway.

Do you feed your birds chicken calcium supplements? how do you feed it Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion!

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Chickens need a lot of calcium to lay hard-shelled eggs, and if your hen has a calcium deficiency, you can give her oyster shells to increase her calcium levels.

A trip to the feed store will leave you staring at all the shelves wondering if your chickens need any of these things. I was wondering if I would need to buy oyster shells for chickens and if so why?

You don’t have to buy oyster shells, but if your chicken has low levels of calcium, this is one of the easiest ways to increase this vital nutrient in their bodies. Without the right levels of calcium, you may end up with soft-shelled eggs, or your chickens may easily suffer bone damage.

Don’t risk it!

It’s easy to learn how to identify a calcium deficiency in your chickens, and then give chickens free access to oyster shells. Your herd will thank you.

What is oyster shell?

As you might imagine, oyster shells are ground up oyster shells; yes – the oysters from the sea! Sometimes some commercial oyster shells contain other types of shells, but they are usually regular oyster shells.

Oyster shells are high in calcium, and some chicken owners refer to this as soluble grits. You may think that feeding your chickens commercial feed will provide all the calcium your flock needs, but this is not always true. Laying hens often need more calcium than they take in with their daily food.

Take a close look at the layer feed you are feeding your hens.

If your feed isn’t enough or your chickens are showing that they need more calcium, feeding them oyster shells is a great way to supplement. Did you know that eggs contain 94-97% calcium carbonate, all of which must come from your chicken’s body? There is a chance that your hens are simply not getting enough through their feed.

An average hen needs 4-5 grams of calcium per day. If you only feed your chickens commercial feed, they are most likely fine. If your chickens are given leftovers or free range, they are more likely to have lower levels.

Chickens are all different, while one hen might find the feed with sufficient calcium, another might. Chicken breeds that lay a lot of eggs often require more calcium than other breeds.

Why do chickens need oyster shells?

Note that not all chickens have to eat oyster shells. Hens that have not laid yet have no reason to feed oyster shells.

Layers need oyster shells because they put 20 times more calcium in their eggs than in their bones. That’s a lot of calcium, which your chickens need for a number of reasons.

Here are some reasons why calcium carbonate can benefit your herd.

Reduces the risk of breaking eggs

Reduces the risk of broken bones or bone damage

Strengthens the blood vessels

Protect your chickens’ immune system

improves cardiovascular function

The diet your laying hens eat affects their egg production and the quality of their eggs. It’s the same concept when you’re raising ducks for eggs. Chickens release many of their nutrients into their eggs and are sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium deficiencies.

5 signs your chickens need oyster shells

How do you know your hen is calcium deficient? Here are a few signs to remember.

Soft eggshells

Finding soft, mushy eggshells is the clearest sign that you need to add calcium to your hen’s diet. Eggs only have a hard shell with real calcium. bone damage

If your hen is suffering from a broken bone or joint injury, it could be due to a calcium deficiency. Chickens send all of their calcium to their egg production first, before their bones, which causes osteoporosis. It also leads to problems with standing. A sudden drop or stop in egg production

Unless your chicken is of an age when it should stop laying eggs, a lack of calcium could be the problem. lameness

Chickens that are lame or suffer from stiff legs may have bone problems due to low calcium levels. Take care of all chickens; This doesn’t just happen with non-laying chickens. behavioral problems

A calcium problem increases the likelihood of bad behavior. If you notice your hen being mean or pecking at other members of the flock, she may have a calcium problem. Be sure to fix this as an aggressive chicken could injure or kill another flock member.

When to start feeding your chickens oyster shells

Don’t give oyster shells to chickens for no reason; You should only give this if you know your chickens need extra calcium in their diet. It should be given no earlier than 18 weeks of age.

There is no need to give oyster shells to:

chick

Pullets are not laying yet

Older chickens that have stopped laying

cocks

So, just a reminder – only feed laying hens oyster shells if you know they are calcium deficient.

What happens when you give chickens too much oyster shell

So, what’s the big deal if your chickens end up with too much calcium in their bodies?

Small amounts of extra calcium will not harm your herd. The problem becomes when they get too much too often.

Your herd could suffer from some side effects of too much calcium, such as:

kidney failure

inability to absorb calcium

metabolic problems

bind eggs

Joint problems or injuries

leg abnormalities

How Often Should You Feed Oyster Shell Chickens?

The best way to give oyster shells to chickens is to omit a separate bowl of oyster sales. A separate feeder will also work. Giving your chickens free access to feed reduces the risk of overfeeding chickens that don’t need the extra calcium.

Chickens don’t seem intelligent, but they know what nutrients they need. They eat as much as they need, and when they don’t need it, the other chickens are likely to stay free.

Oyster shells should be given all year round, whether winter or summer. It should also be given if you have brooding or molting chickens.

How Much Oyster Shell Should You Give Chickens?

There is no set amount of oyster shell that you can feed chickens. Skip a feeding bowl or bowl of oyster shells and give your hens free access.

Never mix the oyster shells in your chicken feed. This puts the chickens, who don’t need more calcium, at risk of overloading it, which can lead to potential health problems. It’s safest to let your chickens decide for themselves when they need and want oyster shells.

Oyster Shell vs. Chicken Grit

If you visit your local feed store, you’ll find oyster shells and chicken grits on the same shelf. You might assume that means they are the same or offer the same feature.

This assumption is wrong.

Both chick grit and oyster shell are valuable to your bird’s health, but they are not the same thing. Here’s why.

chick grit

The purpose of chick grit is to help your chickens process and digest their food.

You probably realize that chickens don’t have teeth to chew their food. Grit stays in your chicken’s gizzard and helps break down the feed into manageable pieces for the digestive system.

Like oyster shells, grit should be provided by the free choice method. Chickens eat grit when they need it; Depending on the type of soil, free-range chickens will find everything they need in nature.

oyster shell

Some people call oysters soluble grit, so people get confused. The purpose of oyster shells is to give your laying hens extra calcium. While it may help with digestion, that’s not the purpose.

6 alternatives to oyster shells for chickens

Not everyone wants to buy oyster shells from the store, so there are some alternatives. You need to offer your chickens different choices of calcium-rich feed to feed your laying hens.

1. Boiled, ground eggshells

It might sound morbid or gross, but feeding your chickens cooked, shredded egg shells is an easy way to use them up and give your flock extra doses of calcium.

Don’t feed the chickens full eggshells; they must be crushed. Also, training your chickens to eat eggs is a bad idea. They cannot determine when they can and cannot eat their eggs. This leads to a problem you don’t want – chickens eat their eggs.

Instead, boil the peels and grind them into a powder. Not only does this reduce the risk of bacteria (a common concern for chicken owners), but it also ensures the chickens won’t be able to tell they’re eating eggshells.

One consideration when feeding chickens eggshells to boost calcium is that if your chickens are calcium deficient, their eggs will contain less calcium. If possible, feed them eggshells from other chickens. Also, when using eggshell, the calcium is released much more slowly than oyster shells.

2. Food high in calcium

Rather than adding something else to their diet to remember, consider using a commercial food that contains higher levels of calcium. The problem with this is when you have a mixed flock of laying and non-laying hens. You should avoid giving your chickens too much dietary calcium unless they need it.

3. Limestone quarry

Ground limestone is what most commercial feeds use as an active ingredient to boost calcium levels. It is possible to buy crushed limestone and add more to their feed.

Be careful when buying crushed limestone; Dolomite lime has a high magnesium content, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb calcium.

4. Table scraps

Some, but not all, food debris will increase your hen’s calcium levels. Feeding these to your hens benefits the entire flock, so you don’t have to worry about feeding them to just a few hens.

A few scraps of food that you can feed your herd to increase their calcium are:

spinach

Kale

yogurt

broccoli

milk

rhubarb

cabbage

Salmon

orange juice

summer squash

5. DIY oyster shell lining

I’m not suggesting going to the store and buying tons of oysters just to make oyster shell chow at home. This will not cover costs. Only do this if you love eating oysters and want to do this to eat them.

Maybe an oyster party at home?

Some lucky people live in areas with access to large amounts of free oyster shells. This drastically reduces how much you have to spend to feed your chickens.

You must properly prepare the oyster shells before feeding them to your flock.

Wash the oyster shells well and spread them out in one layer on a baking sheet. Bake the shells at 250 degrees F for 10 minutes. Baking the shells kills mold spores or other pathogens on the oysters. After baking, place them in a bag (double or triple lining helps) and start smashing them with a hammer. If you want a powder consistency, pop it in your food processor afterward, but a hammer works well. Besides, it’s fun.

6. Supplements

The nutritional content works hand-in-hand, so adding vitamin supplements to your child’s diet, while not correcting a calcium deficiency, does provide extra vitamins A, E, and D. These vitamins help your chickens’ bodies absorb more calcium.

Feed stores sell supplements in powder form, and all you have to do is add a scoop to their water each day. You don’t have to separate your herd; This is safe for all chickens whether they lay or not.

Where to buy oyster shells for chickens?

Your local feed store stocks several brands of oyster shells. If you don’t want to leave your house (who can blame you), Amazon has several options for oyster shells.

The most popular option is from MannaPro. This bag of shredded oyster shells weighs 5 pounds and is the most common brand you’ll find at almost any farm and fleet store. MannaPro offers crushed, pellet-sized oyster shells that are heat treated for safety.

Most people choose this option because the price is the best. It’s by far the cheapest option, and when you need to raise chickens on a budget, cost counts!

Small Pet Select sells 5 and 10 pound bags of oyster shells. They offered crushed, natural oyster shells that are non-GMO and thinly shredded to aid in digestion.

Almost everyone recognizes the Purina brand; You are big in the animal kingdom. They sell a 5 pound bag of shredded oyster shells for poultry. You should know that it is not flakes, but some customers have suspected it is because of the pictures.

summary

Remember that you should only give oyster shells to chickens if your laying hen over 18 weeks of age is calcium deficient. Your entire flock doesn’t need oyster shells. They should be made available all year round with freely selectable access.

mealworms! Shake the package and chickens will come running from every corner of the yard. Chickens love dried mealworms, no question about it. But should you feed them to your herd? It really depends on the provider.

As always, higher quality ones are more expensive, but when it comes to the health of your herd, it’s definitely worth it.

This article describes the benefits of feeding your chickens dried mealworms. It also explains how many to feed your chickens, how to spot low-quality mealworms, and more…

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7 reasons to feed your chickens dried mealworms

So you’ve decided to breed your own, or found a reputable source of mealworms for your flock. Why would you feed them to your girls?

Train your birds on dried mealworms

You can teach chickens to do amazing things, especially when they’re rewarded with mealworms!

People have used treat bribery to teach chickens to run obstacle courses, do a variety of tricks, and even change some antisocial behaviors.

It’s also the easiest way to get reluctant pullets into the coop. They’d rather have a snack than party outside.

Chickens are intelligent and can easily be trained to do things as long as there is a reward at the end, after all no one works for free!

Dried mealworms are good for feathers

The best time of year to feed mealworms is around molting time. As you all know, molting deprives the bird of a large amount of protein.

Due to the shedding stress, the high protein consumption when replacing the old feathers and the strain on maintaining health is enormous.

Although your birds will get through the moult without high-protein snacks, they need extra protein somewhere, so why not give them a special treat to brighten their day?

You can feed other high-protein snacks during this time, but please use common sense. Rotate your protein-rich snacks — maybe hard-boiled and mashed egg one day, then mealworms the next, and pumpkin seeds the third.

Variety is the spice of life!

Mealworms used as medicine

If you have a hen that is doing poorly, recovering from an infection or a predator attack, she needs some extra protein to repair damaged tissue.

In these circumstances, giving her a teaspoon of it daily would be acceptable. The only exception to this is when the kidney function is impaired; In this case, keep the protein at 16-18% layer feed.

Summary table for dried mealworms

A simple treatment for mealworms

If we’re telling the truth, we all want to be spoiled sometimes. Our chickens are no different – they deserve treats almost every day for laying those beautiful eggs.

There’s nothing wrong with spoiling your girls—as long as it’s done in moderation.

If you feed your girls too many treats, they will put on the pounds; Overweight chickens lay fewer eggs and have more laying problems.

Keep it healthy, a cupful once or twice a week is enough; Don’t listen to what the chickens tell you!

Feeding Tip: Make some mealworm ice cubes for a summery treat. Put just a few in the dice tray, you can also sprinkle on some herbs or grains if you like and freeze.

Put them in the shade in a pan and the hens will be busy munching on these refreshing treats for a while.

They are delicious! No I haven’t tried them but my head hen Ms. Crabby says they are to die for!

Boost chicken protein with mealworms

They are packed with proteins that all living things need. However, too much protein can also be unhealthy. It can cause kidney problems for your ladies, as can too much calcium in the diet, so moderation is best.

With 50% protein when dried and 30% protein when alive, they’re packed with protein.

The protein content of live worms is slightly less of a health concern. However, dried ones are not a problem if fed in moderation.

Throwing mealworms around the coop keeps chickens healthy and active

You can encourage your chickens to work for their protein by tossing them in the litter and watching them rearrange the coop.

This will keep them busy for ages as they probe every corner of the chicken coop and peck if they missed one. There’s nothing quite like getting the kids to clean up their room!

How much?

I have 20 chickens in a coop, so I throw in a small handful and scatter them out as much as possible.

How to feed your chickens dried mealworms

You have a few options when feeding them to your chickens.

I like to use it to turn over the bedding in the stable. Just throw something in the litter and your hens will go mad rummaging through the litter. It also helps them last longer as it can take time for them to bury in the litter.

Alternatively, if you don’t want your bedding turned over, you can just toss it on the floor outside and watch them rip it off in record time.

Finally, if you have extremely friendly chickens, you might even be able to hand feed them.

How many dried mealworms you can feed and how often…

Treats should not make up more than 10% of your hen’s daily feed intake. So one or two beaks dried in a day is more than enough.

However, you should make sure to rotate treats, so give them mealworms a maximum of twice a week.

Alternatives to dried mealworms

As mealworms mature, they become dark beetles. You probably don’t want them anywhere near your chicken coop as they are possible carriers of the disease (they have been linked to Marek’s disease).

Because of this, some enterprising folks have turned to raising crickets, or dubia. I’m sure you all know what cricket is, but what is a dubia?

A dubia is a… cockroach!

It’s a tropical cockroach that’s packed with protein and isn’t quite as terrifying as a regular cockroach.

Apparently, these little fellows are very peaceful and live harmoniously with each other, in contrast to dark beetles, which eat each other.

They are also much quieter than a room full of crickets.

If you’re looking for more treat suggestions, check out our definitive list of chicken treats here.

Dried mealworms summary

We’ve given you a few excuses to spoil your chickens, but remember, like chocolate for humans, too many come at a disadvantage.

This not only applies to mealworms, but to all protein-rich snacks – whether seed, egg or insect.

If you have a few chickens and a lot of time, teaching them tricks is a fun pastime for you and the chickens. You will surprise your friends with your clever chickens!

Did you manage to train your chickens with treats? Let us know in the comments section below…

The best treats for egg-laying chickens

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Why you need D-3 Liquid Calcium (250ml) for your birds

This bottle will last up to 20 weeks.

Fortified with Vitamin D3, the only form of Vitamin D available to birds, to ensure adequate calcium is absorbed in the gut.

Addresses the 3 most common vitamin deficiencies in caged birds on seed or pellet rations.

Active ingredients include: calcium gluconate, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D3.

Specially formulated for breeding birds and laying hens.

Convenient liquid form for easy administration via drinking water and precise dosage control.

How to treat calcium deficiency in birds?

Calcium is one of the most important vitamins for birds and especially for laying hens. Calcium deficiency is most evident in bone growth and reproductive health. In pigeons and parrots, symptoms of calcium deficiency include egg binding, soft-shelled or brittle eggs, small clutches, poor quality milk, lameness, osteoporosis, and skeletal deformities. In young animals, deficiencies can manifest themselves in poor growth, rickets, deformities and poor hatchability. For the symptoms of calcium deficiency in chickens, including laying hens.

However, treating the symptoms of calcium deficiency is not as simple as adding more calcium to the bird’s diet for two reasons:

The symptoms of calcium deficiency are easily confused with those of vitamin A deficiency. Both nutrients are commonly lacking in seed and pellet rations, meaning vitamin A deficiency is common in caged birds. Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption, so a lack of vitamin D can lead to calcium deficiency even when there is adequate calcium in the diet. In caged birds without access to plenty of direct sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is a common cause of calcium deficiency.

Since it is difficult to identify the true cause of calcium deficiency symptoms without expensive medical tests, it is best to regularly supplement rations with a calcium source fortified with vitamins A and D3 to address any potential causes of calcium deficiency disease .

D-3 Liquid Calcium is an easy-to-administer source of calcium that also contains vitamins A and D3. It is perfect for birds on a seed-based diet, including laying hens.

How to Use D-3 Liquid Calcium Supplement

D-3 Liquid Calcium is formulated for regular use as part of your bird diet. You can give the dietary supplement to pigeons, chickens, poultry and other caged birds via the drinking water.

Add 15 ml of D-3 Liquid Calcium per liter of drinking water. Prepare the solution freshly every day.

As part of a regular nutritional program, D-3 Liquid Calcium should be used once a week. Increase supplementation to 3 times per week during breeding season.

Excess calcium can lead to health problems. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of D-3 Liquid Calcium. Pay attention to the calcium content of feeds that you use in combination with calcium supplements.

Always follow the product instructions. D-3 Calcium Supplement is for animal use only.

Store below 30oC. Protect from direct sunlight.

Visit our Chook School for more information on chicken health.

A lack of calcium can lead to a condition called rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis later in life.

You should be able to get all the calcium you need from your daily diet.

Taking high doses of calcium (more than 1,500 mg per day) can cause stomach pain and diarrhea.

What does the Health and Social Welfare Office recommend?

You should be able to get the calcium you need from a varied and balanced diet.

If you are taking calcium supplements, do not take too much as it could be harmful.

Taking 1,500 mg or less per day is unlikely to cause harm.

Are you providing your chickens with enough calcium to ensure healthy and strong eggs? When I first saw my chickens laying I was so excited only to find odd shaped paper thin eggshells in the nest!

Luckily, with an oyster shell supplement, you can avoid inferior egg production.

In our article we simplify what groats and oyster shell are for chickens.

We also learn how to choose the best products and why they are such an important complementary feed for laying hens.

Let’s start with a look at the most popular grits and oyster shell for chicken products that will bring you strong eggshells and beautiful birds.

The best oyster shell and grit products in our winning categories

Top Pick Homestead Harvest Coastal Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement Its clean, dry formula leaves little mess and has a grainy texture that aids in digestion in chickens. Check Latest Price Homestead Harvest Coastal Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement Homestead Harvest’s Oyster Shell makes it our top choice of calcium supplement because it’s a combination of grit and pure oyster shell. The granules are a natural treat that hens need for digestion and peeled eggs. It is best to provide Small Pet Select as a separate bowl for layers. Egg Health The Homestead Harvest range helps laying hens produce spectacular eggs when you add the textured grit to your coop. Chickens get all the calcium they need for strong eggshells with this super easy-to-feed supplement. Be sure to let us know what your chickens think of our top picks! Check the latest price

Best Oyster Shell for Layers Manna Pro Crushed Oyster Shell Meets your hens’ extra calcium and grits needs with a clean, no-fuss crushed shell supplement. Check current price Manna Pro Crushed Oyster Shell This grit and oyster combo is our top choice as it is inexpensive, easy to feed and provides the additional calcium needs of laying hens. The supplement consists of small stones or pellets, which also serve as grit. Hens like to collect the granules for digestion. Nutrients Both young and old laying hens receive a lot of calcium with the Manna Pro shell meal range. The product can be fed to hens from 18 weeks of age and provides a constant source of essential minerals for the healthiest eggshell consistency. Check the latest price

The top 5 oyster shell products for chickens

Best Oyster Shell for Layers Manna Pro Crushed Oyster Shell Meets your hens’ extra calcium and grits needs with a clean, no-fuss crushed shell supplement. Check current price Manna Pro Crushed Oyster Shell Sufficient calcium can prevent cracked and thin eggshells. When combined with semolina, it also supports the digestive health of chickens. Manna Pro meets your hens’ extra calcium and meal needs with a clean, no-hassle shredded shell supplement. We like Manna Pro because it’s easy to feed and a great source of extra calcium for laying hens. Pellet You can safely use the oyster shell pellet for chickens because it is heat treated. Its dry texture makes it easy to handle – add it to the feed or toss it on the ground for the birds to forage! The pellets resemble small stones, making them suitable for large chickens. Smaller poultry such as bantams and quail may have difficulty ingesting the pellets. Grit This calcium supplement is also available in grit form, ideal for plant and digestive health. You can also store these items in a sealed container to keep them fresh. The Manna Pro pellets support plant health and digestion, and you can give 1/2 cup of the Shell Crumble to two adult hens. Specification Type: Pellet

Ingredients: Oyster Shell and Coral Calcium

Pure Oysters: No Benefits Heat treated for purity

Easy to use pellets

Added calcium content Disadvantages Pellet size may be too large for small birds. Check the latest price

Best Value AA Plus Shop Ground Oyster Shell Calcium Food Natural grit consisting of pure ground shell with no additives. Easy to feed to your flock. Check Latest Price AA Plus Shop Ground Oyster Shells Calcium Feed Layers need all the help they can get to produce sturdy eggshells. With AA Plus Shop it’s easier and cheaper to provide your chickens with the extra calcium they need. Hens of all sizes like to eat the ground mussels as a supplement to laying hen feed! Ingredients What is interesting about this range is that it is sourced from beaches in the USA. It consists of a purely ground peel without any additives. The textured grit also makes it more enticing to chickens. Feeding For the healthiest eggshells, all you need to do is feed your hens a handful of these granules, and they come in a small sachet, ideal for a small flock in the garden. If you are concerned about supplements for your flock, the natural bedding supplied by AA Plus Shop Ground can be easily fed to any group. Separate it from your daily diet in a bowl or sprinkle it on the floor. Specification Type: Ground Oyster Shell

Ingredients: oyster shell

Pure Oysters: Yes Benefits Naturally sourced from local beaches

Granule size for chickens to eat easily

Pure formulation

Reduces waste Cons Too big for quail Check latest price

Top Pick Homestead Harvest Coastal Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement Its clean, dry formula leaves little mess and has a grainy texture that aids in digestion in chickens. Check Current Price Homestead Harvest Coastal Oyster Shell Calcium Supplement Homestead Harvest Coastal Oyster Shell Supplement is suitable for free range and chicken flocks. It is a grits and oyster formula that helps improve shell consistency, digestion and egg production. Its clean, dry formula leaves little mess, even with regular feeding. Nutrients The pellets can supplement a layer feed when a hen has difficulty producing hard eggshells. Aside from being a high source of calcium for healthy eggs and bones, Homestead Harvest’s grit texture aids in chicken digestion. The small stones encourage the natural grinding of food in the crop, making it easier to absorb. Ingredients This calcium supplement consists of one large pellet compared to similar items. It is best consumed by adult hens as well as large pullets approaching laying age. Smaller birds like bantams may have trouble ingesting coarse pellets. You can toss the calcium grit on the ground when feeding in the wild, and you can conveniently put it in a feeder too! Technical data: pellets

Ingredients: Crushed zest

Pure Oysters: Yes Benefits Compatible with feeders

Grain Consistency Disadvantages Coarse texture

Too big for small breeds to eat. Check the latest price

Family Farm & Feed Oyster Shell Provides a combination of oyster shell and coral calcium in the form of grit. Check Latest Price Family Farm & Feed Oyster Shell If you have picky hens that have problems with eggshell formation then Family Farm & Feed Soluble Grit is the best. It offers a quick and easy way to provide chickens with the minerals they need. Ingredients The product offers a combination of oyster shell and coral calcium in the form of semolina. If your hen isn’t getting enough calcium, consider Family Farm & Feed’s Natural Calcium. Texture It is a dry but soluble granular formula designed to complement the daily chicken diet. What I like about the Family Farm & Feed Oyster Shell is that it contains no additives. The granulate is also easy for laying hens to choose from and should be kept separately from normal feeding. Feeding You can put it in a bowl or container that each chicken can reach. The next time you are looking for a calcium supplement for large breed laying hens, consider the Calcium Grit in Family Farm & Feed. Its formula is easy to use and perfect for young or old hens who need a calcium boost in their diet. Specifications Type: Grit

Ingredients: Ground oyster shell

Pure Oysters: Yes Benefits Supports natural feed

Granules can be fed freely Disadvantages Powder formula can create waste

Too fine to sprinkle as a scratch. Check the latest price

Manna Pro Chick Grit with Probiotics Consists of crushed granite developed to meet the growing needs of poultry, promoting strong bones and feathering. Check Current Price Manna Pro Chick Grit with Probiotics Manna Pro makes it easier to provide chicks and bantams with a truly healthy treat! Developed to meet the growing needs of poultry, the digestive supplement promotes strong bones and feathering. It is made of crushed granite that can be fed to chicks as young as 2 weeks. Nutrients Calcium is necessary for eggshell development in laying hens and young birds also need the right amount of calcium. Their bones, feathers, and overall growth rely on a source of calcium to prevent abnormalities. Rather than trying to feed regular grit which is too high in calcium for small birds, Manna Pro provides the ideal balance of minerals. Feeding Small chicks, chicks and bantams can easily eat the fine granules. You can add the chick grit to the daily feed or sprinkle it on the ground to encourage foraging. The grit can be fed often, but make sure to add water to aid in digestion! Specification Type: Chick Grit

Ingredients: Insoluble broken granite

Pure Oysters: No Pros Small granules for chicks and bantams

probiotics for digestion

No artificial ingredients or preservatives Cons Expensive Check the latest price

What are oyster shells for chickens?

Oyster shell close up

An oyster is a mollusc and its shell is made up of calcium carbonate and a small amount of protein.

Egg shells are made up of 40% calcium and chickens need this mineral for healthy egg production. By feeding them shelled oysters, you’re giving your chickens plenty of calcium right away so they can lay strong eggs.

Just as mealworms are a great source of protein for chickens, oyster shells are a natural calcium supplement.

Below we look at the reasons for feeding this mineral to chickens and how you can be sure to choose the best product.

Why do chickens need oyster shells?

As a first-time backyard chicken farmer, I was unsure about the high calcium requirements of laying hens.

I provided a normal egg at 18 weeks, but when I checked the hen’s nest box, one egg was an odd shape and the second broke in my hand.

My chickens were lacking in calcium and I needed to find an inexpensive and natural way to improve their diet.

nutrient

Conventional laying hen feed contains a lot of calcium, but it may not be enough for the needs of every laying hen…

Although conventional laying hen feed contains a lot of calcium, it cannot meet the needs of every laying hen.

Chickens go through a 24-hour egg production cycle and need a constant supply of calcium to develop the toughest egg shells.

When they lack the minerals they need, the result is a paper-thin or misshapen eggshell.

Gummy Eggs

If calcium is not provided often, chickens can also lay rubber eggs!

In this case, the shell does not form at all.

It also increases the risk of conditions like peritonitis, which is an infection of the coelom, or the space between the gut and the layer of skin.

Chicken laid rubber egg

What are alternatives to feeding oyster shells?

Baking and grinding eggshells provides a reasonable amount of calcium for a backyard flock.

However, it cannot surpass that of oysters.

An eggshell contains an average of 380 mg of calcium per gram compared to the 500 mg of calcium in oyster shells.

NOTE A combination of groats and oyster is a good choice for layers. It provides the minerals that birds need, including the stones or grains that aid in digestion in the crop and gizzard.

digestion

A hen cannot use her beak to chew her food to aid in digestion.

By introducing grit, it helps to pre-grind the food, which makes it easier to absorb through the gizzard. The semolina with calcium provides enough minerals for every chicken. It’s a great way to improve a hen’s health and nutrition.

What is oyster shell calcium for chickens?

Chickens need oyster shells because they are a very rich source of calcium.

Even the best laying hen feed needs to be supplemented!

Eggshell Supplement

This is especially true for hens with high mineral requirements who have trouble forming even hard eggshells.

Mollusks are made of calcium carbonate.

This is also found in various rocks and is the main ingredient that you can also find in shelled eggs and shellfish.

How much grit and oyster shell for a chicken?

Chickens foraging outside a coop

It is best to offer mineral supplements as a free choice. Forcing a hen to consume the supplement by mixing it into her feed is not ideal.

If you have a hen that lays rubber or thin eggshells, using grit is a good idea.

They may place the clams in a bowl or container separate from their daily diet, or spread them on the ground to encourage foraging.

Give just a handful for 2-3 large chickens and let them peck at it at will.

How to grind oyster shells for chickens

If you are preparing fresh mussels, you can place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 250F for about 10 minutes.

This destroys bacteria and makes it easier to crack.

Place the baked peel in a bag and mash into fine pieces with a hammer.

You can also grind it into powder by blending it in a food processor.

Best calcium supplement for problematic egg layers

When you visit your local pet food store, it’s easy to get confused by the different types of supplements on the shelf.

You might think you made the right purchase only to find that your birds don’t touch the sand.

quality

Hen in a nest box

You may also find that chickens continue to lay poorly after eating.

Luckily, you can buy the best supplements by considering quality, brand, purity, and price.

A large hen will have no problem consuming a large meal.

TIP Powdered shells are also available for finicky birds and small breeds like quail.

Can a hen get too much calcium?

Chickens can consume too much calcium, and an excess of minerals in the diet can do more harm than good.

Groats and oyster should be provided to a chicken as a free choice.

Throw the grit in the coop as a treat to keep every chicken happy!

Should Chicks Get Grit?

Young chicks in a coop

Young chicks should only be given a small portion of calcium if they are not getting it from their feed. Chicks as young as 2 weeks old can start with a small bird grit.

It will help strengthen your bones and provide enough minerals for healthy digestion.

Conclusion

Chickens need calcium, but it should be provided in limited amounts.

Mineralized grit is a great way to encourage free range or indoor foraging.

It provides the minerals and grit needed to stimulate digestion.

This will also support a healthy crop and gizzard.

You can leave the supplement in a bowl or feeder, or sprinkle it on the floor.

Calcium Supplement

Oyster shells are considered the best form of grits and calcium for chickens.

You can start supplementing feed for chicks to improve bone development.

As an additional supplement, oyster shells are available in flake, pellet and powder form in the feed trade. It should be fed frequently and separately from chicken feed.

First choice

Homestead Harvest Oyster Shell is a great start for chickens used to gritty grains.

best value

As a natural granular supplement, AA Plus will keep you and your chickens happy!

Best oyster shell for laying hens

When you visit the feed store, look out for Manna Pro Ground Oyster Shell, which is made from pellets for a medium to large sized laying hen.

There is no doubt that adding oyster shell to barn feed is beneficial for bird growth and nutritious eggs.

The type of grit you choose will depend on the quality, size of a chicken and the condition of the eggshell it is producing. Your chickens will be so happy to peck at their new treat with its amazing natural benefits.

Ah, to be a laying hen and to produce eggs regularly… It’s a natural but somewhat tedious affair! Some hens lay eggs daily, some once a week or less, and some in between. Did you know that eggshells are made up of almost pure calcium? Yes, they definitely are – almost 100% calcium carbonate crystals!

Through the biological process of egg formation and egg laying, the hen’s calcium reserves are easily depleted. Without a way to replenish the calcium used, serious and even life-threatening conditions can result! For example, if a hen does not get enough discretionary calcium in her diet and therefore cannot form eggshells properly, she may lay soft-shelled eggs, become dangerously egg bound, or even have an egg breakage inside her. These scary scenarios deserve a post of their own (which I’ll write soon!), but for now let’s focus on proactive prevention.

There are several ways you can provide calcium to your laying hens to keep them as healthy as possible. Two popular options are to feed chickens eggshells and/or oyster shells. Let’s discuss these options along with some best practices and things to avoid.

Photo via Egg Truth

Should I offer mashed eggshells or oyster shells to chickens?

Wait… Secure yourself. Can I feed my chickens eggshells? Isn’t that cannibalism or something? No! It certainly isn’t. In fact, it is very common for chicken keepers to feed their chickens crushed eggshells. In addition, chickens are known to eat their own eggs and shells in the wild. We love to offer our girls eggshells – and that’s what they like best! I’ll explain why as we go.

Shredded or flaked oyster shells are also available specifically for this purpose. When we first started raising chickens, we bought a bag of oyster shells for our girls. Guess what? You wouldn’t touch her. Apparently, the large hard stones of the oyster shells were completely unappetizing to them for calcium. On the other hand, they love to devour crushed eggshells! I’ve heard similar stories from many chicken lady (or man) friends.

Choosing oyster shells or eggshells as a calcium supplement is a personal choice – but one your chickens can decide for you!

costs and delivery

Here’s the deal: eggshells are free! Why not use a “waste” product sensibly and not have to spend money on it? They seem to be what many chickens prefer to eat anyway. It sounds like a no-brainer, right? However, there is definitely a time and place when using oyster shells instead can come in handy.

One such instance where it may be necessary to have oyster shells on hand is when you run out of eggshells. Let’s say you sell eggs or give away dozens to friends on a regular basis. If so, you probably don’t have enough spare shells left to provide your herd with enough calcium. Egg-laying hens can’t go more than a few days without this extra source of calcium, so you need to supplement them! (Unless you ask your friends to keep the shells and give them back to you, which we fully did.)

Luckily, we recently found a thinner, flakier, and tastier oyster shell than those old “oyster stones” that our girls disliked so much in the past – one they will actually eat! Now we mix these oyster shells with their eggshells to top up our supply when needed. Even if we’re not “little,” we occasionally add a little oyster shell with their eggshells just to get them used to eating them.

Shelled oyster shells. Photo courtesy of Amazon

How and when to provide calcium to chickens

Whether you’re providing supplemental calcium through eggshells, oyster shells, or both, there are some important health considerations you need to know!

Age

The important things first. Chickens shouldn’t be given supplemental calcium until they’re “ready to lay” — meaning they’ve started laying eggs, or are damn close to laying eggs. Premature intake of excess calcium can actually harm young chickens and cause kidney damage. We usually lay the eggshells when one of our young chickens starts laying, even if the others of the same age haven’t started yet. You could also start offering calcium if your girls are showing telltale signs that eggs are on the way.

As chickens mature, they require slightly less protein and slightly more calcium. If you pay attention to their labels, you will see this reflected in the contents of their different feed stages: chick or “starter”, rearer and layer feeds. Your diet will be formulated and adjusted accordingly. Laying hens should therefore always be fed laying hen feed. If you’re curious, we feed our chickens this organic layer feed from Scratch and Peck.

let me decide

Second, a supplemental source of calcium should always be offered to your herds as a “free choice”. This means it should NOT be mixed into their food or hidden in treats. Place the mashed eggshells or oyster shells in a separate bowl and keep them stocked and available at all times.

As shown below, we offer mussels in a small hanging bowl that can be easily attached to fences – with one in the yard and one in their enclosure. They graze on it as they please. Chickens listen to their bodies and somehow know when they are in distress or not! Mixing an excess source of calcium into their food tempts them to eat it and can lead to an “overdose” and health problems, much like consuming too much too young.

Zoey and Ginger try a fresh batch of crushed egg shells. You can see them throwing out some but mostly the oyster shells! picky picky.

How to prepare eggshells for chickens

Crack an egg, fry it, and throw the eggshell out into the garden for the birds…right? Not quite! Some people may do it this way, but we prefer to take a few extra (but simple!) steps before giving the trays to our chickens. How you prepare your eggshells is ultimately up to you, but let me share how we do it.

Before we feed them back to the chickens, we prefer to bake and crush their eggshells first.

Why bake the eggshells first? Baking the shells makes them safer for the chickens by killing any bacteria that may be lurking on them with the heat. This is especially important if they’ve been sitting around for a while after setting out.

Drying the shells in the oven also dries out the membrane and makes the shells much easier to shred. Finally, it also changes the smell and taste of the eggs. This reduces the likelihood that your chickens will associate the shells with the eggs they lay – and develop a taste for them! It makes them distinct and unrecognizable as eggs. Eating eggs is an obnoxious and difficult habit to break once it’s started! Trust me… Ugh. Read more about how to prevent and quit eating eggs here.

We love having this reliable automatic door in our chicken coop, letting the girls into their sheltered run every morning and evening.

Baking, crushing and storing eggshells

Since we’re using eggs, we keep the shells in a container in the back of the fridge. Storing them in the fridge reduces bacterial growth, so we don’t bother rinsing them out after cracking them before storing. Then we prepare a large batch every one to two months. Waiting to bake many at once makes it a lot less of a chore or frequently annoying!

The container we keep in the fridge and fill with shells while consuming eggs – until it overflows! Time to bake a batch.

Spread the mussels out on a baking sheet or baking dish. They can get a little stuck and difficult to clean, so we’ll use a cheap pan from a thrift store meant for eggshells. Bake the clams at 300’F for 5 to 10 minutes. We generally do about 5 minutes if they’re already on the dry side, or for a smaller batch, and slightly longer for a large batch, or if they’re still fairly wet. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Next, shred the shells to a consistency your chickens like. Some people grind them very small, almost into a powder. We’ve found that our girls like to pick slightly larger pieces, about the size of raw oatmeal.

To physically crush the clams, find a method that works for you. It could be made right on the pan, in a jar, bowl, coffee grinder, food processor… some people even use a mortar and pestle! We typically toss all of the baked mussels into a dedicated, repurposed large ziplock bag, then shred the contents with a rolling pin or our hands. A zero-waste, plastic-free option is to do the same thing in an old pillowcase or cloth bag – which I’m going to try for the next batch!

Finally, we store the crushed eggshells in glass jars in the fridge. If necessary, we fill up their small bowls outside – so that they are never without.

The end product.

As simple as that.

Isn’t it crazy to think that such a small action can play such an important role in keeping your chickens healthy? Providing a little calcium can save their lives! Literally.

If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you have (or will have soon) chickens. But if you don’t, you can still save your eggshells! Chop them up and add them to your compost heap, worm bin, or straight into your garden soil as a natural supplement. The additional calcium is also appreciated there!

I hope you found this post helpful! If you are interested in more chicken related articles, you may enjoy:

Please help promote healthy chicken friends by sharing this article!

Do chickens need calcium in their diet? There are many essential nutrients that your chickens need in their diet. One of the most important nutrients is calcium. Egg shells are made up of about 90% calcium. In order to produce strong eggshells that won’t break, chickens need a lot of calcium. In addition to strengthening the shells of the eggs they lay, calcium performs many other functions in your chickens’ overall health. Calcium controls muscle spasms during the laying process, making eggs easier to lay. It also triggers hormone production and ensures a healthy reproductive system (essential for laying eggs and hatching chicks). It can help with blood clotting, maintain a healthy nervous system, improve digestion, support bone growth and development, optimize the chicken’s pH, control its heart rate, and aid in the absorption of other essential minerals such as phosphorus.

Before you grind up some egg shells and assume this will give your chickens enough calcium, it’s important to realize that the source of calcium is very important. Just as raw egg gives us salmonella, chickens can get salmonella from any raw egg left on the shell. Instead, you need to give your chickens a good source of calcium, such as: B. ground oyster shells or other food supplements specially made for chickens.

In this guide we take a look at everything you need to know about chickens and calcium.

People know that calcium builds strong bones and teeth in homans. Did you know that calcium is the most prevalent mineral in the homan body? Calcium also supports the muscular and vascular systems. While many people pour themselves a glass of (plant-based) milk to ensure they’re getting enough calcium, chickens don’t have it that easy. In today’s blog we will look at what calcium is all about and why egg hens need it.

We’ve probably all heard that “milk builds strong bones” – with calcium being the key ingredient.

It’s one of the main components of bones, so getting plenty of calcium makes sense to keep them strong and healthy. Plus, it plays other important roles like aiding in muscle movement, blood clotting, and the release of hormones.

And too little calcium? The consequences are significant.

“Calcium deficiency can lead to weak and brittle bones over time, which is known as osteoporosis,” says Dr. Donald Brown, Houston Methodist family physician. “It is characterized by reduced bone density, increased bone loss and a higher risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. In fact, many people do not get enough calcium. But the good news is that this can often be corrected, primarily through dietary changes, in the younger folks who may be missing out.”

Hence the famous “Got Milk” ad campaigns featuring milk mustaches on celebrities like Jonathan Taylor Thomas, the Olsen twins and Brett Favre. They drink milk! And so should we.

But what about too much calcium? This is a particularly relevant question for people who are struggling to get enough calcium in their diet and are wondering if they should be taking supplements. Can Calcium Supplements Ever Do More Harm Than Good?

How Much Calcium Do You Need Per Day?

The average adult needs 1,000 mg of calcium per day. For women over 50 and men over 71, the amount increases to 1,200 mg per day.

“It’s best that you get your calcium intake from your diet, which is very achievable since it’s a mineral found in many foods,” says Dr. Brown. “Those who eat a healthy diet are likely getting an optimal amount of calcium.”

However, there is some disagreement regarding recommendations. Some experts say 1,200mg is more than the body actually needs. While some studies have shown that increased calcium intake helps maintain optimal calcium balance and prevent fractures in postmenopausal women, some others do not show a clear association with fracture prevention and increased bone mineral density.

“Regardless of whether 1,000 or 1,200 mg per day might be too high, it’s usually still possible to meet both requirements through your diet,” says Dr. Brown. “Just make sure you’re getting a few servings of calcium-rich foods every day.”

And if you’re not sure you’re getting enough calcium, check with your doctor.

“Your doctor can help you understand if you may need to make dietary changes, if testing is needed to check for osteoporosis, and if calcium supplementation is recommended,” adds Dr. Brown added.

Plus, it’s not just calcium that you need to promote proper bone health. You also need vitamin D.

“Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium effectively,” says Dr. Brown. “If you’re vitamin D deficient, you may not be absorbing enough of the calcium you’re consuming — even if you’re consuming a lot of it. Sometimes optimizing your calcium balance is as simple as correcting a vitamin D deficiency is fairly common.”

What is the best calcium supplement for osteoporosis?

Some people may find it difficult to get enough calcium from their diet, while others already have bone loss that puts them at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

“In this case, a person might consider taking a calcium supplement, but it’s important to consult your doctor first,” says Dr. Brown.

You’ll need help determining the type of calcium supplement that’s best for you, as well as the right dose and timing of supplementation.

“Calcium carbonate is the cheaper option, but it needs to be taken with a low-iron meal,” says Dr. Brown. “Also, some medications prevent the absorption of this type of calcium, so it’s important to discuss your medications with your doctor beforehand.”

Calcium citrate is the other calcium supplement option. Its advantage is that you can take it on an empty stomach. However, be wary of calcium citrate supplements that contain more than 500 mg of calcium per dose.

“Your body has trouble absorbing more than 500 mg of calcium at one time. Any extra calcium is likely just going through your system and into your urine,” adds Dr. Brown added.

Finally, there is a ceiling on calcium consumption – what you consume through your diet and any supplements you take.

“Adults shouldn’t consume more than 2,000 mg of calcium per day,” warns Dr. Brown. “Exceeding this limit can lead to side effects and even complications.”

Do Calcium Supplements Have Side Effects?

One of the main reasons for getting the majority of your calcium from your diet rather than a supplement is the side effects that can come with taking a calcium supplement, including:

gas, bloating and constipation

indigestion

“There’s also the possibility of side effects,” warns Dr. Brown. “For example, calcium supplements can lead to kidney stones because they cause more calcium to be excreted through the urine. Also, these supplements could increase a person’s risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, although the evidence is mixed and more research is needed. ”

Importantly, the side effects and complications seen with prolonged use of calcium supplements do not occur when calcium is ingested through food.

Before trying any supplement, make sure you’re eating calcium-rich foods and exercising

Instead of relying on a dietary supplement, Dr. Brown to try to optimize your calcium intake naturally first.

“You can help ensure you’re getting enough calcium by eating two to four servings of calcium-rich foods daily,” says Dr. Brown.

Calcium-rich foods include:

Low-fat dairy: yogurt (plain or Greek), milk (low-fat, skimmed, or whole), and certain cheeses (partial-fat ricotta, part-fam mozzarella, and cheddar)

Leafy greens: collards, kale, bok choy, and broccoli

Soft-boned seafood you can eat: sardines and canned salmon

Calcium-fortified foods: Soy products (tofu) and milk substitutes (almond milk and soy milk), as well as certain orange juices and cereals

“In addition to a calcium-rich diet, exercise is a great way to build and maintain strong bones,” says Dr. Brown. “And it’s never too late to incorporate exercise into your routine to slow bone loss.”

Walking, jogging, running, and using an elliptical trainer help maintain bone density in your legs, hips, and lower spine. Strength training that includes bodyweight exercises helps maintain the bones in your upper body, including your arms and upper spine.

“In general, there are no obvious short-term symptoms of calcium deficiency. So if you’re concerned about your calcium levels — either because of your diet or a history of sedentary lifestyle — consult your doctor first,” says Dr. Brown. “Calcium supplements may be needed to support dietary and exercise changes, but this is not always the case.”

Your body contains an abundance of calcium. Around 99% of this mineral is stored in your bones and teeth. The other 1% is in your blood and soft tissues. Eating calcium-rich foods is crucial for growing and maintaining strong bones. It is also an important nutrient for healthy cell function. Your body needs calcium to support muscle and nerve function, regulate blood pressure and hormone levels, and facilitate communication between cells.

Why You Need Calcium Calcium is essential for almost every process in the body. Your body cannot produce calcium. You must get calcium from foods and supplements, but your body absorbs it better from food. Calcium is also found in some medications, such as antacids. The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1,300 milligrams (mg) per day for adults, children, and pregnant and lactating women. Calcium serves as a critical nutrient for: Cell Function Your body maintains a certain level of calcium in your blood at all times so your cells can function properly. A drop in blood calcium levels will cause your body to borrow calcium from your bones.

Strong egg shells are better able to keep bacteria out and improve egg safety. One way to help chickens lay strong-shelled eggs is to feed layers a complete chicken feed that contains the Oyster Strong® System.

An egg once held the weight of a 200 pound man. Though small in stature, fresh farm eggs have great power. Their shells provide a home for growing chicks and protect the yolk from harmful bacteria. But how can a structure that is only 0.3 millimeters thick offer so much security? The answer lies in the design.

In fact, architects over the centuries have modeled buildings after the dome of the egg. A dome shape provides strength and protection; Any pressure applied to the top of the dome is distributed throughout the structure. This simple power makes the egg one of nature’s foremost designs.

The building blocks: eggshell calcium and vitamin D 3

Much like the supplies needed to build an architectural dome, laying hens require certain nutrients to produce eggs with strong shells. Calcium and vitamin D 3 are two of the more important nutrients needed to build strong eggshells.

Calcium is the most important nutrient for eggshell development, and vitamin D 3 is critical to getting the calcium to where it’s needed. All told, each eggshell contains about 2 grams of calcium — or 40 percent of the shell.

This number has a lot of meaning when you look at simple math. If the average backyard laying hen lays 180 to 200 eggs per year, that’s 0.8 to 0.88 pounds of calcium per year for eggshell development. This calcium must come from the diet to support eggshell production.

Calcium transport in the eggshell

After a hen consumes calcium, the nutrient begins the journey to eggshell production. It first enters the bloodstream, where it is transported to the salivary gland and the rest of the body. In order for calcium to be transported quickly enough to form strong eggshells, vitamin D 3 also plays a major role.

Vitamin D 3 is necessary because it increases the rate at which calcium passes through the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream. The birds need large amounts of calcium when the shell glands are active. For this reason, laying hens should also be fed vitamin D 3: In order to get enough calcium into the shell glands when needed.

What laying hens feed

Chickens need to consume about 4 grams of calcium each day to get the 2 grams of calcium needed to make one eggshell—not all of the calcium is used to make eggshells. As already mentioned, the nutrient – ​​along with vitamin D 3 – must come from the chicken feed.

Make sure you offer the hens a complete feed such as Purina® Layena®, Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 or Purina® Organic Pellets or Crumbles. This complete feed is formulated to provide the necessary four grams of calcium. On the other hand, the average scraped corn product provides only 0.1 grams of calcium and no vitamin D 3 .

For optimally strong shells and fresh eggs, choose a feed that also contains an oyster shell mix, such as the Oyster Strong® System. This system is included in Purina® layer feeds to ensure a constant supply of calcium throughout the 20-hour shell-building process to keep hens laying strong and staying strong.

Oyster shells are a good way to provide calcium because of their large particle size. Smaller calcium particles break down quickly, but oyster shell particles have a slower transit time. As a result, the calcium source stays in the hen longer and plays an important role in eggshell formation at night, when the hens need calcium the most.

Ready to try Purina® complete feed for layers with the Oyster Strong® system? Sign up for our Feed Greatness® Challenge and receive a $5 coupon.

The Feed Greatness® Challenge is a 90-day feeding trial where you feed Purina® feeds, monitor your herd’s performance and health, take photos and receive emails with helpful information.

—– Patrick Biggs, Ph.D.

Nutritionist, technical solutions for pets

I had an interesting dialogue about feeding milk to poultry and I think there are several points that need to be addressed in relation to feeding milk to poultry:

Chickens love milk and all kinds of dairy products, there is no doubt that this is a true statement. However, you should know that chickens consume more than they actually need for daily needs when milk is added to the feed. This effect is a bit like people going to a really good buffet. On average, we tend to eat a little more than we should.

Milk in liquid form has “only” between 3% dairy cattle and 8% protein from sheep or yaks.

” between 3% high-yielding dairy cattle and 8% protein from sheep or yaks. Dried whole milk contains an average of 26.7% beef protein.

Whole milk contains an average of 26.7% bovine protein. Poultry nutrition is calculated on an ‘as fed’ or ‘as is’ basis, not on a ‘dry matter basis’ as with ruminants.

Therefore, milk in liquid form directly from the cow is between 3-4% depending on the breed of cattle.

This milk protein data can be obtained from most dairy farmers who sell to wholesalers who pay them based on the protein and butterfat content of their milk.

The data I use is from Feedstuffs magazine, reference issue 2002.

Morrison’s Feeds and Feedings, 1957, show a milk protein content of 3.5%.

I really don’t want to be the “wet blanket” on this topic and I think milk has a place in a poultry diet. But on the other hand, I have autopsied several avian broilers that had grossly enlarged livers that were pale or evenly colored because they were fed free-choice milk.

A chicken’s liver has a limited capacity to process fats in the diet, and only a portion of this can come from milk or animal fats.

The fat content in a modern chicken diet must be between 4 and 6% of the total ration.

If you feed poultry with milk, the feed ration must be adjusted to the fat content of the milk and therefore the amount of milk should be measured and controlled.

Changes in feeding and poultry over the last century

Because of the genetic selection and breeding of poultry over the past 100 years or more, the nutritional requirements of modern breeds, whether Cornish Cross or Production Layers, are much higher than those of their ancestors 100 years ago.

100 years ago the average hen laid 150-200 eggs per year compared to 290-310 for modern laying hens.

The protein requirement of today’s laying hens is 17-18% protein, at the beginning of laying breeds 12-14% was sufficient to support a good laying performance.

The same is true for today’s broiler compared to the White Rock dual-purpose birds of a century ago. Now the broiler needs 18-22% protein to develop in time or even to live well. When this level is reached, they will suffer and become metabolically deficient. While the older breeds used for meat would have done well with 16-17% protein starter growers and 12-14% finishers and their growing season was over 14-16 or more weeks.

Years ago, broilers or meatfowl would have hatched in the spring of May to early June when temperatures would have been milder, beetles would have been available and a good scraping grain with leftover milk would have made decent feed. Because their need for food was not as high as that of today’s super birds.

Milk is a really nice treat for poultry and when used judiciously can be of great help in controlling coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis.

Milk is not really an effective ingredient in modern breed poultry feeds that contains enough protein to significantly offset the use of soybeans, peas, fishmeal, crabmeal, or other protein supplements.

I really wish someone would do the SARE grant to prove me and the data I have access to is false. I think milk is a wonderful whole food, but not for poultry.

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