{"title":"Grit \u0026 oyster shell","description":"\u003cp\u003eGrit and oyster shell are often mentioned in the same breath, but they do something quite different. Grit consists of hard little stones that stay in the gizzard and help grind feed there. Oyster shell does dissolve and supplies calcium for the eggshell. In this collection you will find, among others, Kasper Faunafood Hobbyline chicken grit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat does grit do and what does calcium do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\u003cth\u003eGrit\u003c\/th\u003e\u003cth\u003eOyster shell\u003c\/th\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eFunction\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eGrinds grains and fibre in the gizzard\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eTops up calcium for forming the eggshell\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eNeeded with\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eGrain, grass and other fibrous feed\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eLaying hens, especially in busy laying periods\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd\u003eSign of a shortage\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eUndigested grains in the droppings\u003c\/td\u003e\u003ctd\u003eThin or soft eggshells\u003c\/td\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhen do you offer it separately?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFree-range chickens on bare ground pick up small stones themselves. If they are in a run with sand, paving or wood chips, or you keep them indoors for a while, put out grit separately. The same applies if you scatter a lot of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mixed-corn-for-chickens\"\u003emixed corn\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcium is already in a good \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/layers-pellets-and-mash\"\u003elayers feed\u003c\/a\u003e. A separate dish of oyster shell acts as a reserve: a hen that needs more helps herself. So do not mix calcium into the feed, but give it separately, so cockerels and non-laying hens do not take in unnecessarily large amounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to put it out\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a small, stable dish or trough that does not tip over and is not out in the rain, so it stays dry and clean. Top up regularly and replace it if droppings or bedding get into it. Grit and calcium in two separate dishes give a better overview than a mix, because then you can see what the chickens really go for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePoints to note\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf shells stay thin while layers feed and calcium are available, something else may be going on, such as age, stress or a health problem. In that case, consult a vet. Chicken grit is coarser than grit for small pigeons or canaries; choose a product intended for poultry. Back to all feed types: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chicken-feed-and-treats\"\u003echicken feed and treats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs grit the same as oyster shell?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Grit is insoluble stone that helps grind feed; oyster shell dissolves and supplies calcium for the eggshell.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo chickens on layers feed still need oyster shell?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLayers feed already contains extra calcium. A separate dish of oyster shell is a reserve for hens that need more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are my chickens' eggshells soft?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOften there is too little calcium available, but age, heat or illness also play a part. If it persists, ask a vet for advice.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.fidello.co.uk\/collections\/grit-and-oyster-shell.oembed","provider":"Fidello","version":"1.0","type":"link"}