Shell grit isn't working! Dang.

[RollinWithTheStones]

I had this problem with one of my girls, drove me nuts. They wouldn't eat the oyster shell if it was in a dish so I have to mix it in with their food (layer pellets), I also feed lots of fresh produce that is high in calcium and several times a week they get the giant containers of yogurt/sour cream/cottage cheese (whatever is on clearance).

I'm going to start making my own yogurt so I can give it to them daily.

I mix crushed egg shells into their plate of food as well, luckily no more soft eggs.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quote:
Chris09 laid out great information.
Lots of things are needed in the diet in addition to calcium for strong shells. Layer feed should make up at least 90% of the diet unless you want to go to the lengths needed to insure precise mineral/vitamin content.
Birds laying eggs need a narrow range of calcium in the diet (3-4%).
Oyster shell or crushed egg shells should be free choice in a separate container, adding it to the feed isn't a good idea. Doing so could theoretically increase the percentage to 10% which could soon cause kidney problems.
If they feel the need for it they'll eat it, if they don't they won't.

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Quote:
Chris09 laid out great information.
Lots of things are needed in the diet in addition to calcium for strong shells. Layer feed should make up at least 90% of the diet unless you want to go to the lengths needed to insure precise mineral/vitamin content.
Birds laying eggs need a narrow range of calcium in the diet (3-4%).
Oyster shell or crushed egg shells should be free choice in a separate container, adding it to the feed isn't a good idea. Doing so could theoretically increase the percentage to 10% which could soon cause kidney problems.
If they feel the need for it they'll eat it, if they don't they won't.

This is what works best for us, they will not eat it if I give them a choice and their eggs are soft. I feel the key is finding what works best for your flock, each flock is different. I have a flock full of spoiled stubborn birds. So since I have a small flock I cater to them.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quote:
If it works for you and you're happy with it, go for it. Are there exceptions to the rule? Yes.
Even different strains of specific poultry breeds can have different dietary mineral needs.
Excess dietary calcium is a cumulative effect. Calcium isn't a poison and sometimes takes a long time to show indications.
I wasn't citing anecdotal information but data from actual scientific research in poultry nutrition.
I worked in the commercial feed industry and was responsible for the precise content of feed ingredients by automating commercial grower mills based on that research.
There have been cases of layer companies losing large numbers of POL pullets from beginning the layer ration a bit too early.

The following link lists 9 causes of thin shells or shell-less eggs.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps020

To look at calcium intake as a sole cause of poor shell quality is to look at excessive cloudy days as a sole cause of poor tomato production.
http://www.worldpoultry.net/background/egg-shell-quality-first-looks-count-9347.html

I'm not trying to be harsh but when information is given that ignores the science I feel obligated to put in my 2 cents worth.
You can take it with a grain of salt.

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Quote:
If it works for you and you're happy with it, go for it. Are there exceptions to the rule? Yes.
Even different strains of specific poultry breeds can have different dietary mineral needs.
Excess dietary calcium is a cumulative effect. Calcium isn't a poison and sometimes takes a long time to show indications.
I wasn't citing anecdotal information but data from actual scientific research in poultry nutrition.
I worked in the commercial feed industry and was responsible for the precise content of feed ingredients by automating commercial grower mills based on that research.
There have been cases of layer companies losing large numbers of POL pullets from beginning the layer ration a bit too early.

The following link lists 9 causes of thin shells or shell-less eggs.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps020

To look at calcium intake as a sole cause of poor shell quality is to look at excessive cloudy days as a sole cause of poor tomato production.
http://www.worldpoultry.net/background/egg-shell-quality-first-looks-count-9347.html

I'm not trying to be harsh but when information is given that ignores the science I feel obligated to put in my 2 cents worth.
You can take it with a grain of salt.

The problem was fixed with extra calcium, so that is what I stick with. If the girls don't want it they won't eat it. My advice was mostly given by seasoned poultry raisers, all of them said the diet was fine.

 

[Fierlin1182]

"Shell Grit" is what's written on the bag, and what they call it at the feed store. I had a closer look, and it looks like small pieces of crushed shells.
Thanks for your input, everyone.