Why increase in oyster shell consumption?

[deacons]

The last couple of weeks, my girls seem to be eating a lot more oyster shell. It's always out free choice, so I'm not measuring, but I know I'm filling up more often. Nothing else has changed in terms of feed or flock. It has been much hotter, but they've actually still been eating their pellet well. 8 laying hens consistently give 6-7 eggs per day.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Well, chickens burn calories which absorbs calcium when it's hot. So consuming more calcium is not unusual.

 

[subhanalah]

Do you use ACV or feed BOSS? Is it hot where you are?

 

[deacons]

That makes sense!

Well, chickens burn calories which absorbs calcium when it's hot. So consuming more calcium is not unusual. 

 

[deacons]

Do you use ACV or feed BOSS? Is it hot where you are?

Yes to all 3-

ACV 2-3x per week; a little BOSS mixed in to a scratch mix (not getting much of this right now); hot for New Hampshire (80-90*F)

 

[Stiggy]

When they first start laying or come back onto the lay they eat more grit, it also depends on what your feeding . as the above said when its hot they need more and assumably its the same in cold weather

 

[subhanalah]

Yes to all 3-

ACV 2-3x per week; a little BOSS mixed in to a scratch mix (not getting much of this right now); hot for New Hampshire (80-90*F)

they are not getting the benefit of their calcium due to these three factors affecting calcium absorption.

I would reduce the BOSS and remove the ACV from husbandry practices.

 

[Folly's place]

Also, they might not be eating as much layer feed as normal, because of the heat. If they are still trying to lay as many eggs, they will need more calcium. Mary

 

[deacons]

they are not getting the benefit of their calcium due to these three factors affecting calcium absorption.

I would reduce the BOSS and remove the ACV from husbandry practices.

Interesting-can you explain more about why this is the case?

 

[subhanalah]

Interesting-can you explain more about why this is the case?

that's the information I have. I don't keep websites bookmarked for every thing I read, but I'm sure if you were to do a little Google or a little search on BYC, I'm sure the studies will make themselves evident
Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.

To be more specific, BOSS + heat can affect calcium absorption
ACV and heat increases the acidity of the bird, also making calcium metabolism difficult (calcium is basic and acidity breaks down basic compounds) this is especially true during hot weather. Not sure if it's due to the heat, so the birds are more dehydrated on a regular basis or what, but it is the case.