dance in the dark Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 So, all my hens are in full lay, as usual the legbars shells are tougher than steel, but one of my bluebells has been laying some very thin shells. not a soft egg yet. I have had them all on the poultry spice and cider vinegar, especially cos of the cold weather, but I thought I might try giving them a liquid calcium supplement in their water. Is it possible to give hens too much calcium? Can it have a damaging effect? I have tried oyster shell grit, but they are just not interested. Any insight would be great. Thanks, Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I have a girl that is prone to the odd soft shelled egg, so I give them a spoonful of Limestone flour in their porridge once a week or so. I read about it on the forum a few years ago. I also add the contents of a cod liver oil capsule which helps them to absorb the calcium. I do remember though, that it was advised that it's not something that should be given every day. I think it can be harmful to give them too much. I'm presuming that this would apply to a liquid supplement too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Yes, you do need to err on the side of caution. Mine get a bit of ground up eggshell with cod liver oil mixed into their pellets as two of them are prone to laying slightly fragile shells which can break in the nest box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dance in the dark Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 See this is why I love this forum! They always say in the books "you can give them extra calcium" but they never seem to warn against over use. I shall see what I can get my hands on and proceed with caution. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 It's just a case of being prudent... a bit like a little salt doing us good but too much killing us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlisonH Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Mine sometimes lay eggs with hard lumpy bits on that someone suggested was caused by excess calcium but I don't give any extra?? They just have a pot of oyster grit which is rarely touched and then what they get FR in the garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I get those little bumps sometimes and my girls don't get given extra apart from in mixed grit. If one lays wonky eggs I may give some liquid calcium on bread for a couple of days but I have read that you can upset the normal calcium production if you give if you give a lot extra. I'll try and find the paper that was written about it. excess vit d can cause renal lesions link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Those bumps aren't caused by too much calcium, just a slightly wonky shell gland; one of my girls has always laid 'sharp' eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Bit of light reading and reason I don't give mine extra. link link link induced calcium deficiency interesting article on shells metabolic alkalosis and excess calcium Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne12 Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Bit of light reading and reason I don't give mine extra. link link link induced calcium deficiency interesting article on shells metabolic alkalosis and excess calcium Thanks. That's pretty sobering stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
