2015 breeding season

[Birdrain92]

What kind of grit, I think most of the "Grit" is crushed rock and will help them process and digest feed, but will not provide calcium which they need for egg laying. We provide grit year round, but oyster shell only during laying season.

I almost provide Oyster shells all year. I give it to them just before and during laying season, I give it to them when my male has molted all his feathers and I continue giving him oyster shells until he is done growing his train.

 

[Peafowlssssssss]

What kind of grit, I think most of the "Grit" is crushed rock and will help them process and digest feed, but will not provide calcium which they need for egg laying. We provide grit year round, but oyster shell only during laying season.

This one:




I used to give them egg shells in winter, but now we aren't eating many eggs these days.

 

[zazouse]

See that thing that looks like a crack? Might be a good idea to make sure she has access to a bowl of oyster shell.

-Kathy

The hen laid her egg tonight, but it was misshaped egg, i think i could open it and check for fertility.

Feed them greens and sprouts greens provide calcium magnesium and zinc they need to make hard shells, none of my peas will eat oyster shell, they do eat pebbles and grit i leave out for but have never seen them eat oyster shells and i believe it is because they get what they need from the greens and seeds they get out in the fields.

 

[Peafowlssssssss]

Feed them greens and sprouts greens provide calcium magnesium and zinc they need to make hard shells, none of my peas will eat oyster shell, they do eat pebbles and grit i leave out for but have never seen them eat oyster shells and i believe it is because they get what they need from the greens and seeds they get out in the fields.

Thank you, i have sprouts i could give them some, we also have many greens in the farm i could cut some for them.

 

[casportpony]

Quote: I think some greens, like spinach, while rich in calcium, have something else that makes it hard for people and animals to utilize the calcium in it. Need to find that source, but I have seen it a couple of times. Best to give oyster shell in case they will eat it (mine do).

-Kathy

 

[zazouse]

Perhaps this will be helpful

http://beautyofbirds.com/calciumforbirds.html

 

[casportpony]

Perhaps this will be helpful

http://beautyofbirds.com/calciumforbirds.html

I think this might be it. Search for oxalate:
http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/3.pdf

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Here's more:

CALCIUM RICH FOOD FOR BIRDS​

by Lauren Corona, Demand Media
Certain nuts are extremely rich in calcium.
All birds need plenty of calcium in their diets, as it facilitates bone formation and normal nerve, brain and muscle function. However, laying females need an especially high amount to form their eggs, the shells of which are almost pure calcium carbonate. Pet birds easily can become deficient in this mineral, so it's important to feed them calcium rich foods.
Greens
Leafy green vegetables are a calcium-filled addition to your bird's diet. Vegetables such as kale, cabbage, mustard greens, broccoli, dandelion greens, bokchoy, parsley, collard greens and rapini are especially high in calcium. Although spinach, beet greens and chard are calcium rich, they're not the best choice to feed your bird. Their high oxalic acid levels may inhibit the amount of calcium that can be absorbed.
Beans

Beans are another good source of calcium to feed your bird. Kidney beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, black beans and soybeans are all suitable and readily available options. It's important that you only feed them to your bird when cooked, as raw beans are slightly toxic and can cause stomach upsets or even visceral gout in birds. Uncooked beans also contain enzyme inhibitors that could decrease the ability of your bird's body to utilize certain substances, thus causing nutritional deficiencies.
Fruits

Although fruit shouldn't make up the majority of your bird's diet -- as it's too high in sugar -- certain fruits are a good way to get him some extra calcium. Most birds think of fruit as a treat and are unlikely to pass up on the offer. Dried fruits, such as apricots, raisins and figs are especially high in calcium. Other calcium rich contenders include fresh strawberries and oranges.
Nuts and Seeds

Some nuts and seeds are just brimming with calcium. Try to feed your bird sesame seeds or tahini, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds as a calcium rich treat. Nuts and seeds are high in fat so, like fruit, they shouldn't make up the bulk of your bird's diet or he may become overweight. However, this doesn't mean he can't enjoy some nuts and seeds as part of a balanced diet.

Source: http://animals.pawnation.com/calcium-rich-food-birds-7482.html​

 

[peacock12]

Nice foal!

Is anybody looking to add a nice spalding silver pied peacock to their breeder stock? Last weekend I saw this peacock and got a quick picture of him. He will be three in July, and is potentially split to purple. Contact me if you are interested, as the price is fairly low.

Sorry for the bad pictures but I only had my phone with me.

I'm very interested where are you located ?

 

[BYC-user-174785]

I'm in Cortland, NY but that peacock is in Newfield, NY. Send me a PM if you want the owners contact information.