Question about calcium..?

[Swastik Choudhari]

I read most of the threads. Got a lot of information. Giving oysters shells,free ranging ,this-that.
I read if excessive its harmful
My question is that what amout is harmfull?
And what happens if they eat excessive calcium?

 

[sunflour]

Calcium supplementation is only harmful for chickens under 18 weeks old, and for them it can cause kidney failure.

 

[Swastik Choudhari]

Ohhhh what the..

I jist thought it might just make digestion issues

 

[sunflour]

That's why starter feed doesn't have extra calcium and layer feed does

 

[PirateGirl]

and generally the thought is that with oyster shell (or other calcium supplement) on the side, that chickens won't eat more than they need

 

[Swastik Choudhari]

After 18 weeks its fine...??

 

[PirateGirl]

After 18 weeks its fine...??

They do not need extra calcium until they are actually laying. Once you have one start laying, it is ok to offer some on the side, especially if the others are all 18 weeks or older.

 

[aart]

Excessive calcium can cause liver problems in non-laying birds.
Said to possibly cause gout also.
Layers need about 3-4% calcium, non-layer feeds have only about 1%.

 

[lazy gardener]

Simply give it to them in separate dish, or even on the ground. They will eat what they need. What are you giving them for their daily feed? That makes a difference in whether they will even need extra calcium in the form of oyster shell. You can also save your egg shells when they are laying, and feed those shells back to them. I keep the shells in a bowl. When the bowl is full, I toss the shells on the ground, stomp them with my foot, and the girls enjoy them.

Nice puppies.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Calcium supplementation is only harmful for chickens under 18 weeks old, and for them it can cause kidney failure.

I've heard that it hurts adult roosters as well, though I admit that my roosters have never had any problems I've noticed.