The Importance of providing Oyster Shell Grit To Chickens

Calcium is vital to your chickens’ health, as it not only makes up their bones and eggshells, but it is also plays important roles in muscle and nerve function. A lack of calcium in the diet will lead to weak bones and thin, rubbery eggshells, or even broken eggs.

While commercial chicken feeds contain calcium, different hens have different needs, depending in part on how often they lay. Therefor, it is a good idea to offer oyster shell grit so your chickens can self-regulate their calcium intake. They will instinctively consume the oyster shell if they need additional calcium.While it is called “grit”, it is important to remember that oyster shell will dissolve in the chickens’ digestive system, and so it is important to also provide insoluble grit to help your girls break-down their food. If you provide your birds with a readily available source of oyster shell grit, you will never have to worry about calcium imbalances in your flock. Even low-calcium treats like mealworms will remain healthy and entertaining snacks.