Liquid calcium for soft shells?

[GumBranchChick]

Hi! I’m trying to confirm what kind of calcium/vit d3 supplement I should use. There’s not a lot on conclusive info that I could find. Liquid vs tablets vs powder? Human or animal product? Dosage of any or all? I don’t want to give too much or the wrong thing, but I’m anxious to get them started on something!
Thanks!!!

 

[Perris]

you could offer them some (ideally plain natural) yogurt for a quick fix

 

[jolly wattles]

Give them a continuous supply of crushed oyster shell. Or grind up egg shells. They'll eat what they need.
For something quick I've heard ground up tums.

 

[GumBranchChick]

Thank you for the feedback

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi! I’m trying to confirm what kind of calcium/vit d3 supplement I should use. There’s not a lot on conclusive info that I could find. Liquid vs tablets vs powder? Human or animal product? Dosage of any or all? I don’t want to give too much or the wrong thing, but I’m anxious to get them started on something!
Thanks!!!

It looks like you have a lot going on at your other thread, I have not read it all, but would be inclined to say you are dealing with a reproductive disorder. Since you are under vet care, work with your vet on finding the right balance for calcium that your hens may need, but personally, I have found that with reproductive disorders extra calcium is not always the answer since there is an underlying condition at play.

That said...you can use human calcium tablets. 1/2 tablet of Caltrate per day may help, but keep in mind that excess calcium (overload) can cause brittle bones, start damaging the kidney and may in some interfere with the ability to pass eggs easily. While laying hens do need calcium to maintain hard shells and overall health, you can overdo it.

If your hens are eating layer feed and have oyster shell free choice, then I would not supplement extra calcium for more than 2weeks max.

 

[GumBranchChick]

It looks like you have a lot going on at your other thread, I have not read it all, but would be inclined to say you are dealing with a reproductive disorder. Since you are under vet care, work with your vet on finding the right balance for calcium that your hens may need, but personally, I have found that with reproductive disorders extra calcium is not always the answer since there is an underlying condition at play.

That said...you can use human calcium tablets. 1/2 tablet of Caltrate per day may help, but keep in mind that excess calcium (overload) can cause brittle bones, start damaging the kidney and may in some interfere with the ability to pass eggs easily. While laying hens do need calcium to maintain hard shells and overall health, you can overdo it.

If your hens are eating layer feed and have oyster shell free choice, then I would not supplement extra calcium for more than 2weeks max.

Thank you for the reply! I feel like multiple things are going on also. And hopefully I’ll be able to figure it out. I love my chickens & I want to make them survive as long as they can bc it’s been so stressful, and sometimes downright sad, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get more.