Calcium in Feed

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I was wondering about the calcium content in the 'growers mash' feed my pullets are being fed, when I read the ingredients and realised there was actually no calcium in the feed at all. :? I always have mixed grit, which contains calcium, in the form of micro shells etc., but as 'growers' feed is meant to prepare the pullets for laying I was expecting it to contain additional calcium.

Do I need to add a calcium supplement to the feed?

Thanks

 

[Davidd]

Hi, if they have access to soluble grit then they will not need extra calcium- i don't know anyone who gives a calcium supplement.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

I always give my hens oyster shell & mixed grit which is normally enough. But i have had the odd hen in the past that seem to lay thin & ab normal shells. So i tried mixing in some limestone flour that people give to tortoises. It helps tortoise to make there shells stronger. It did seem to help my hens lay better eggs. But i only added in a very small amount.

Internet Info on limestone flour.
Limestone flour can be used with a variety of animals as a way of adding extra calcium to their diets. limestone flour can be used to supplement for your tortoises, And lizards and also chickens. It can also be used with other animals such as horses, snails etc.

Please note I only give this limestone flour as an additive if it's needed to boost the calcium level of my hens. And only to hens that are laying & or have problem shells. It must not be given to growers or chicks. It is very good to help stop soft shell & shell defects in eggs.

John

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, for the advice, Wraith. If we have problems with soft shells then I'll use Limestone flour. Hopefully, the mixed grit should be good enough.