Description: **Calcium Grit for Chickens: Benefits and Use** Calcium is an essential nutrient for chickens, particularly for laying hens, as it plays a key role in the production of strong eggshells and overall skeletal health. One effective way to ensure chickens receive sufficient calcium is through calcium grit, a supplement often made from ground limestone or crushed oyster shells. ### Benefits of Calcium Grit for Chickens 1. **Stronger Eggshells:** Calcium is vital for the formation of eggshells. Chickens that do not receive enough calcium may lay eggs with thin, fragile shells that are prone to cracking. Providing calcium grit ensures that hens have the necessary calcium to lay strong, healthy eggs. 2. **Bone Health:** Calcium is not just essential for egg production but also for maintaining strong bones in chickens. A deficiency can lead to brittle bones, making hens more prone to fractures and other skeletal issues. 3. **Improved Egg Production:** Hens with an adequate calcium intake tend to lay more consistently and produce higher-quality eggs. Calcium deficiency can lead to a drop in egg production as the hen's body prioritizes bone health over egg-laying. 4. **Digestive Aid:** Some calcium grits, especially those made from larger particles, help grind down food in the gizzard, aiding in better digestion. This can contribute to improved nutrient absorption and overall better health in chickens. 5. **Prevention of Deficiencies:** Prolonged calcium deficiency can cause a condition known as "egg binding," where the egg gets stuck in the hen's reproductive tract, which can be life-threatening. Ensuring hens have access to calcium grit can prevent this serious condition. ### How to Use Calcium Grit 1. **Free Access:** The best way to provide calcium grit is to offer it free-choice. Place a separate dish of calcium grit in the coop or run where chickens can access it whenever they need it. Chickens instinctively know when they need more calcium and will consume the grit accordingly. 2. **Mixed in Feed:** Calcium grit can also be mixed into chicken feed. Commercial layer feeds often contain added calcium, but if you're mixing your own feed or feeding a non-layer-specific ration, supplementing with calcium grit ensures your hens receive adequate levels of this mineral. 3. **Quantity:** While chickens will naturally regulate their calcium intake, it is essential to monitor consumption to ensure all birds are getting enough. On average, a laying hen requires about 4-5 grams of calcium per day. 4. **Timing:** Laying hens particularly benefit from calcium grit in the evening, as this is when they are preparing to form the next day's eggshell. Offering it later in the day can help meet their calcium needs at the right time. ### Types of Calcium Grit 1. **Oyster Shells:** Crushed oyster shells are a popular form of calcium grit. They are slowly digested, providing a steady source of calcium over time. 2. **Limestone:** Ground limestone is another common form of calcium grit. It is often more affordable than oyster shells but can be equally effective. 3. **Soluble Grit vs. Insoluble Grit:** It's important to differentiate between calcium (soluble) grit and insoluble grit. While calcium grit dissolves and provides nutrients, insoluble grit (such as small stones or granite) helps with grinding food in the gizzard but does not supply calcium. Both are essential for optimal chicken health but serve different purposes. ### Conclusion Incorporating calcium grit into your chicken care routine is vital for the well-being of your flock, especially for laying hens. By providing them with this essential mineral, you can ensure stronger eggshells, healthier bones, and more consistent egg production. Whether offered free-choice or mixed into feed, calcium grit is a simple yet effective way to promote long-term health in your chickens.
Price: 27.92 CAD
Location: Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan
End Time: 2024-12-16T16:24:17.000Z
Shipping Cost: 13.12 CAD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Brand: Shell And Bone
Type: Calcium Grit
Poultry Species: Chicken
Incubator Rotation: Layer Hens