Offer free-choice calcium in a separate dish

Provide crushed oyster shell or limestone in a separate container so laying hens can self-regulate their calcium intake. Each egg requires roughly 4–5 grams of calcium for shell formation, and high-producing hens often need more than layer feed alone provides. Oyster shell dissolves slowly in the gizzard, releasing calcium steadily during the overnight hours when shell formation occurs.

Why It Works

Hens that cannot meet their calcium demand from feed will extract it from their own skeletal system, leading to osteoporosis, weak legs, and cage layer fatigue. Free-choice calcium lets each bird eat exactly what she needs — heavy layers consume more, non-layers consume less. This prevents both deficiency and the kidney stress caused by excess calcium in the main feed.

Tips

• Never mix oyster shell directly into the feed — not all birds need the same amount
• A 5-pound bag of oyster shell costs $10–15 and lasts a small flock several months
• Start offering when hens reach 18 weeks or begin laying
• Limestone grit is a cheaper alternative that provides both calcium and grit function