How much % of calcium to look for?

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

I am about to switch my birds over to a 17-20% protein layer crumble and I’m doing my research on what would work. Calcium always seems to be low on the ingredient list on the bags I have seen at my local stores. The average is 1.75% that I see. I know I can mix in crushed oyster shells if I can’t find any but I’d like to not have to mix if possible.

 

[MROO]

Just offer crushed shells separately, free choice. Most birds will pretty much only take in what they need. An old match-stick dispenser or small hamster feeder works great!

 

[alwaystj9]

I have a small hanging feeder with oyster shell. The chickens take as they need it, and 50 lbs. is under $20 at my locally owned feed store. Their needs change with different brands of feed and stages of their lives and seasons of the year. Keeping it available is cheap insurance, especially during feed supply issues. With 25 or so birds, I use 2-3 bags a year.

 

[Nabiki]

If you absolutely want calcium in the feed, you want about 3.5%.

That being said, it's better to just offer oyster shell or egg shell on the side. They'll eat what they need.

 

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

If I decide to offer the shells separately, can I keep them on game bird starter their whole life? Or should I change them over to a standard game bird feed plus the shells?

 

[Nabiki]

If I decide to offer the shells separately, can I keep them on game bird starter their whole life? Or should I change them over to a standard game bird feed plus the shells?

You don't want to keep them on starter for their entire lives. Once they reach 10-12 weeks of age, they don't need as much protein, and too much protein can lead to health issues.

Just like kittens, puppies, and people, adults have different dietary requirements than babies.

 

[Quailwhatdoyaknow]

You don't want to keep them on starter for their entire lives. Once they reach 10-12 weeks of age, they don't need as much protein, and too much protein can lead to health issues.

Just like kittens, puppies, and people, adults have different dietary requirements than babies.

Okay so at 10 weeks switch them to the regular game bird feed and then feed them the oyster shells

 

[Nabiki]

Okay so at 10 weeks switch them to the regular game bird feed and then feed them the oyster shells

Don't change the feed all at once. Mix a bit of the new feed with their old and increase the amount of the new feed each day for about a week. This will help keep their digestion regular.