Shell Grit

[echucabirdies]

Hi

I was wanting to know what you all think of giving birds shell grit to harden eggs i currnetly have birds laying eggs should i give this to them i dont know what to believe as there are so many good stories and so many bad one on shell grit .

Cheers

Nathan

[Viraba]

Hi Nathan,
I have a shell grit/ charcoal mix available to my birds 24/7 and certainly haven't had any problems that I'm aware of during laying. They also get a pretty wide ranging diet of fruit & vegies as well but I'd always have shell grit available to them.

Cheers
Viraba

[billspets]

hello Nathan
i personally get the shell grit from a sand yard and have it on the floor of my aviaries as well as cuttlefish bone or calcium blocks hanging in the cage as well
hope this helps regards
bill

[AussieBirds]

Hello Nathan,
The shell grit debate is almost as emotive as the pellet debate, I have to say that oyster shell is excellent for your birds as it contains iodine and calcium this can also be combined with a charcoal supplement. There is growing evidence that this very beneficial to your birds. You can, as has been said in this thread buy this mixture as a commercial mix it is a bit expensive but the birds certainly go for it, as Bill has said a supply of cuttle bone is a good idea too.

John

[echucabirdies]

Ok thanks for your help i will put shell grit in the cages then