Yes, birds do need calcium to lay eggs. Calcium is an essential mineral for birds to produce strong eggshells. Here’s a quick overview of the role of calcium for egg laying birds:
Why Birds Need Calcium
Calcium is the main structural component of eggshells. Over 90% of an eggshell is made up of calcium carbonate crystals. Without sufficient calcium, a bird simply cannot create a complete, intact eggshell around the developing embryo and yolk.
Female birds mobilize calcium from their bones into the bloodstream and transfer it to the egg just before it is laid. The egg then takes massive amounts of calcium from the blood to rapidly produce the hardened shell in the lower oviduct right before egg laying.
Calcium Deficiency Impacts
If a laying bird does not get enough calcium, she will suffer from chronic calcium deficiency. This can lead to the following problems:
- Thin, cracked, or soft-shelled eggs
- Eggs with no shells (shell-less eggs)
- Egg binding (where the egg gets stuck)
- Bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Low hatchability
- Egg eating
- Decreased egg production
In severe cases, calcium deficiency can even lead to seizures, paralysis, and death.
How Much Calcium Do Laying Birds Need?
The calcium requirements for egg laying birds depend on the species and rate of egg production. Some general guidelines are:
| Bird Type | Calcium Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chickens | 3.5% – 5.5% of diet |
| Ducks | 2.5% – 3.5% of diet |
| Quail | 2.5% – 3.5% of diet |
Typically, a higher calcium percentage is recommended for younger, more productive birds. For example, growing chicks may need 5% calcium while older hens need only 3.5%.
Sources of Calcium for Birds
The main dietary sources of calcium for birds include:
- Oyster shell
- Limestone chips
- Grit
- Crushed eggshells
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Calcium carbonate
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion greens
- Legumes
- Dairy products like yogurt (for chickens)
- Bone meal
- Commercial calcium supplements
Of these, oyster shell and limestone are the most common sources provided as grit or supplements. Birds also get some calcium from their main feed, but this is usually not enough on its own when hens are laying eggs.
When to Provide Extra Calcium
Laying birds should be provided extra calcium sources starting a few weeks before they start laying eggs. This gives their body calcium stores time to build up.
Once birds are actively laying, continue providing extra calcium sources free choice throughout the laying period. This ensures calcium is available as needed to create healthy eggshells.
How to Feed Calcium
The best ways to provide calcium are:
- Free-choice grit: Let birds self-regulate calcium intake based on their needs. Provide oyster shell, limestone chips, and insoluble granite grit in separate feeders free choice.
- Supplements in feed: Use soluble calcium supplements like calcite or oyster shell flour to boost the calcium percentage in feed up to optimal levels.
- Treats: Offer items like yogurt, greens, eggshells, and bone meal as occasional calcium-rich treats.
Avoid over-supplementing calcium far above requirements, as excess calcium can cause issues like reduced feed intake, kidney damage, and decreased absorption of other minerals. Follow layer feed labels for recommended calcium levels.
Monitoring Calcium Intake
To ensure birds are getting enough calcium:
- Observe egg quality – thin shells, soft shells, and shell-less eggs indicate low calcium.
- Weigh eggs – a declining egg weight shows calcium deficiency.
- Record egg production rate – hens will lay fewer eggs when calcium is inadequate.
- Check grit intake – hens should consume an average of 1/2 tablespoon of grit per day.
- Consider dietary trial – monitor eggs when feeding increased calcium levels.
- Do blood calcium tests – low blood calcium indicates deficiency.
Catching calcium issues early allows you to increase supplementation before egg quality declines or hens develop health issues.
Conclusion
Calcium is an essential nutrient for birds to produce strong, complete eggshells. Laying hens must consume adequate amounts of calcium through grit, feed, and supplements. Careful monitoring of egg quality, production, and grit intake allows early intervention to correct calcium deficiencies. Providing laying birds with abundant sources of calcium ensures good egg production and bird health.
