too much calcium??

[chickencrazymamahen]

I have heard that you can give too much calcium to your hens....isn't DE a source of cacium also? And what does too much calcium do to the hens? I feed DE and my regular feed has calcium in it and I leave oyster shells around for free choice feeding...was just wondering....thanks!

 

[HEChicken]

Too much calcium is bad for growing chicks. In hens, too much calcium can cause calcium deposits on the outsides of the egg shells (which are harmless). However if you are offering the oyster shell free choice, they probably will not over indulge. In my experience they seem to know when they need it and only eat it then.

 

[patandchickens]

DE does not contain any meaningful amount of calcium. (It is mainly silicon).

If you are feeding commercial layer feed and offering oystershell free-choice, that is a GOOD arrangement and exceedingly unlikely to result in excessive calcium in their diet. (Hens do have 'calcium appetite', and will self-regulate if given the choice, e.g with free choice oystershell)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[chickencrazymamahen]

Thank you for the quick replies, I was concerned about too much, but if they will self regulate then I'm ok. They get grain too and are free range 6-8 hours a day but still seem to like their commercial feed and treats (of course, who doesn't like treats!!!). I wasn't sure about the DE, and thought perhaps it would cause too much in their system. Thanks for clearing that up, feel much better!!!!

mamahen