is Pet Store Mineral sand for caged birds safe for laying hens?

[GREL]

I live in a wet climate where the ground is rarely dry, therefore I was looking for sand for my laying hens to take a dust bath in. I found a sand that goes on the bottom of cages for pet birds. It containes Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium. Instead of bathing in it my laying hens started eating it like crazy. I removed it for the time being. Is it safe for them to have and if so does it need to be limited?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you normally offer grit and oyster shells?

 

[GREL]

Do you normally offer grit and oyster shells?

I just got them so I have not thus far. I have baked their egg shells, ground them up and fed it back to them for calcium. I am open for suggestions and guidance

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They need both grit and oyster shells. Oyster shells stay in their system longer than eggshells. So be sure to offer them free choice in a separate bowl. Same with grit if your birds are confined.

You can offer parakeet grit, but I would limit it initially so no one eats too much.

 

[BabasCoop]

I live in a wet climate where the ground is rarely dry, therefore I was looking for sand for my laying hens to take a dust bath in. I found a sand that goes on the bottom of cages for pet birds. It containes Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium. Instead of bathing in it my laying hens started eating it like crazy. I removed it for the time being. Is it safe for them to have and if so does it need to be limited?

There is pet graded, washed sand at Lowe’s and Home Depot u can use. It is what we use for our coop. It is 4.25 a bag here. Chickens love it. And they bathe in it and use it for grit.

if ur hens are eating it, then they probably need grit. They will only eat what they need so don’t worry. The right sand will function as both litter and grit.

 

[GREL]

thank you