The Poultry Keeper

dandelion · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 17 Location: WARWICKSHIRE

I've been told by a couple of forum member's to supplement my hen's diet with limestone flour.My question is,can a chicken have too much calcium? as i'm told the feed i give them is calcium enriched.Is there a specific dosage?I have been putting a 25ml scoop on there food every other day.On an other note what is the average number of egg's a hen sould lay (i know breed and climate can make these number's differ) i believe an average would be 250-280 a year.However my rhodey lay's EVERY day at 9.45 am,and has done since she first started laying in june last year.

Lisa · Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:46 am Post subject:

I don't use limestone flour, so can't comment on what is thought to be the correct amount, but hopefully someone who does will come along and answer your question.

On the question of "can they have too much calcium" though I would certainly say "yes". Anything that is eaten (by any animal) has to be either assimilated, or eliminated. It is either used by the body for some specific purpose, or if there is too much the body has to get rid of it in some way (usually excreted, but sometimes stored in body tissues). And getting rid of large amounts of excess nutrients can place its own stresses on the body and cause other problems such as difficiencies of other minerals.

My second thought is that calcium does not work alone. The body needs other nutrients in a good balance to be able to absorb calcium effectively. I understood these to be magnesium and vit D3, as supplied in calcivet - one of the commercial calcium supplements for birds. The ratio between calcium and phosphorous in the body is also an important one for good health. Nature does not provide nutrients in isolation, which is why I personally would prefer to try to fix any problems by feeding better food, rather than supplementing with just one specific nutrient.

You didn't say why you had decided your birds needed additional calcium. Do you have a specific problem or concern with your chooks? (Sorry if I've missed it elsewhere). You said you were already giving them food that is calcium enriched, presumably a commercial layers food, so are you still getting a problem on this diet? If so, are you feeding just a commercial diet, or are you feeding extra things too?

Re the average number of eggs, like the term says, its only an average. Hens will stop laying when they moult, and when the days are short in winter (how long a break varies). So when you average that out over 365 days of the year, you will probably get nearer the figures you quoted. Plus they can lay a bit more in their first year or two. So enjoy your daily eggs while you're getting them Smile

fenwoman · Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:07 pm Post subject:

I use limestone flour when birds are laying heavily. It helps with fragile shells. I only use it once a week and add a scoop to about 5kg of food. As for vitamin D3, well if the birds are free range outside, they absorb this from the sunshine. No need to give it as an additive.
As to whether a food is calcium enriched or not. Don't rely on what someone tells you. Check the ingredients on the sack for yourself, or if in doubt, phone the manufacturer. At least that way you will know for sure.
I'm one of those awkward devils who disbelieves everything I am told until I have found out the facts for myself Smile