a) Coarse forms of calcium
Hens generally lay early in the morning and
the final stages of the daily egg manufacturing
process is the application of the shell in the
oviduct over night. To facilitate this it is useful to
have a sustained slow release form of calcium
that can be retained in the gizzard and made
available as the hen needs it. By providing
a coarse form of calcium (large particle size
limestone, oyster shell, shell grit) the
hens can select these late
in the day independent
of their normal feed
to ensure adequate
calcium supply.
b) Hard grit
Poultry are somewhat unique in that they have
an organ that specialised in grinding their food.
This is called the gizzard. This muscular organ
can grind feed more efficiently if it contains some
coarse grit (gravel). Birds will normally consume
small stones for this purpose, and it is prudent to
make some available to the hens.
c) Green feed
Although the EGGSTRA diets contain adequate
vitamins and pigments there can be a further
useful contribution of these from green feed
and vegetable scraps and birds enjoy the
entertainment of sorting through these. They
help to maintain an acceptable yolk colour.
Feed Quality
Laying hens can be quite sensitive to shortfalls in feed quality and
any mouldy, rotten, or contaminated feed should not be presented
to the birds – including vegetable scraps, grain or pellets. Wetting
of feed is unnecessary and in fact can predispose the birds to the
risks of moulds and mycotoxins. If rat baits are used it is important
that the birds are not exposed to them and any dead rodents are
removed promptly from the chook house or yard.
Feeding Management
The birds should be fed ad libitum with feed being available in
appropriate feeders or troughs at all times. Good hygiene needs to
be practised on all feeders and drinkers to ensure good health, and
the feed needs to be fresh.
hens can select these late
in the day independent
of their normal feed
to ensure adequate
calcium supply.