Best calcium supplement?

[shannon84]

Hi I have young hens actively laying and I’m guessing layer feed itself isn’t enough? What’s the best calcium supplements and brand to add to their feed? Thanks!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oyster shell in a separate dish.

 

[Folly's place]

Most of us in the USA use oyster shell, available in bags large or small, inexpensive, and offered free choice in a separate feeder.
Mary

 

[R2elk]

Hi I have young hens actively laying and I’m guessing layer feed itself isn’t enough? What’s the best calcium supplements and brand to add to their feed? Thanks!

The calcium level in a good layer feed is sufficient for most hens.

As the others have pointed out, oyster shell is the most popular calcium source. Crushed limestone is also a calcium source.

Supplemental calcium should be offered free choice and not added to the feed.

 

[shannon84]

So any brand in particular for the oyster shell or just whatever the tractor supply has is good enough? Where do you get limestone? I’m just fearful of having egg bound with one of my hens. Freaks me out lol

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

Using Layer feed, can I assume you have only Ladies old enough to lay. The Calcium in Layer Feed, can cause kidney problems for Young Birds and any Boys you may have. Oyster Shell is cheap and convenient. One Brand is as good as another as the Only Ingredient should be Crushed Oyster Shell...JJ

 

[shannon84]

I have a 5 year old hen (possibly older) she hasn’t laid an egg in two years and I have a rooster. But I recently got two young laying hens that are living separate from them right now. I am nervous about the kidney issue with the roo when I do put them together. So I guess I’ll offer the oyster shell free choice. But no sure what to do about the later feed issue.

 

[Folly's place]

That's why I feed Flock Raiser, an all-flock feed, rather than a layer diet. It works for chickens of all ages and sexes, with the separate oyster shell for the layers.
Mary

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

How much Layer feed do you have? I would take the loss on a single bag and give it away or toss it. If you have more than one, unopened bags, you can offer them for sale on Craigslist or online area Flea markets.
A 20% Protein All Flock or Starter/Grower, plus the Oyster Shell on the side, would be well suited for your whole crew...JJ