Chicken grit

[Hmturner]

I need to raise the calcium levels of my chickens (2 silkies and 2 hybrids) as two of them are laying eggs with soft shells. I already have insoluble grit. I am looking at oyster shells and am a bit confused. Should I mix the oyster shells with my other grit or should I give both separate. Also how fine should the oyster shells be?

I feed them bearts layers pellets as that what I was recommended is that a good feed or should I swop to something better?

 

[MadGardener]

Grit contains no calcium.Oyster shell sold for chickens is a great supplement. The particles are about the same size as adult poultry grit. A separate container is best so they can easily regulate intake. Some folks feed back crushed egg shells, but that should not be the only source of calcium.

I prefer an all flock feed for my birds. Most layer feeds contain 16% protein. That is designed for commercial layers and meets their minimum nutritional needs for the first 18 months of their lives. Layer feed won't cut it for pullets who aren't yet laying, roosters, molting birds, or elderly hens no longer laying. And if you feed treats then the birds' protein intake is further reduced. If you only have hens, a "feather fixer" formula will give you increased protein plus calcium.

I recommend 18-20% protein based on recommendations I've received here, and (limited) experience with my own flock. I suggest you completely stop treats while getting to the bottom of your calcium problem, overfeeding treats is very common. It was a definite factor in my soft shell issue last fall. Good luck!