These can be purchased in a form that is intended for chicken consumption. It is responsible for the development of healthy bones as calcium cannot be absorbed without the presence of Vitamin D3. [14] identified iron deficiency anemia as a significant indicator of teenagers' nutritional status. Additionally, calcium excretion causes phosphorus deficiency. Broody hens and molting chickens alike can also benefit from the added calcium. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. Giving young chickens more calcium than their fluffy bodies can absorb causes kidney damage and decreases their lifespan. Do Free Range chickens need calcium supplements? WebExcess calcium intake has been shown to reduce growth and feed efficiency and to increase bone ash and bone strength in growing chickens. The most critical balance is the ratio of phosphorus and calcium. The good news is that, in theory, it is almost impossible for chickens to be phosphorus deficient. Whats more, limestone is relatively cheaper than other sources of calcium. Therefore, we carry oyster shell for chickensin our full chicken product line. Make sure to pH the calcium mix to 5.8 before spraying. The diet must also be rich in phosphorus and vitamin D to ensure proper calcium use. Design The bones Egg shells are usually Producing an egg every 24 to 48 hours (the average production rate for most laying breeds) requires ample amounts of calcium. This disease although it doesnt usually kill chickens, can do some serious harm to your chickens respiratory process. If you have chickens, you know the importance of calcium, especially for laying hens. To avoid serious problems with calcium deficiency, it is best to get your doctor checked. Thankfully, the guide above is an imperative basis on what to include in your chickens diet to improve their calcium intake. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The recommended level for calcium is 1% or below for these birds; layer feed has up to four times this amount, so you should never feed it to birds under 18 weeks. Dr. This condition can also affect the texture and quality of the egg contents. Vitamin D. To build strong bones, beaks, claws, and eggshells, vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium. These oyster shells and marine shells are excellent soluble calcium sources that have low microbiological contamination. How do you treat calcium deficiency in chickens? Now that we covered the best natural calcium sources for chickens lets say a word or two about the worst sources. The biggest reason chickens and calcium go together is eggshell quality. Calcium is one of the most important vitamins for birds, and especially for laying hens. Dairy products are a good source of protein and other vitamins and minerals such as Calcium; all of which a chicken needs in their diet for optimal health and good egg-production. dislocation of the joints. When the butter is melted and sizzling a bit, add the onion and shallots. Other calcium-rich vegetables include okra, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. An oversupply of calcium can be potentially disastrous for your chicken. Remember that you may need to purchase large quantities of oyster shells for your chicken to reap the many benefits associated with it. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry. How much calcium is in chicken bones? Is milk a good source of calcium for chickens? Lastly, remember that both calcium deficiency and excess calcium are harmful. Most chicken owners avoid feeding their chicken with animal products. This is because calcium is the main component of the eggshell. It is the dream of every poultry keeper to benefit from their birds for the longest time possible. Fine calcium particles are 0-2mm, and coarse-grained calcium particles are 2-4mm. Cause. Additionally, too much calcium causes soft bones, more commonly known as rickets. Mites suck blood causing anemia, then death. How much oyster shell should I give my chickens? Pullets and roosters have lower calcium needs than laying hens as they do not produce eggs. WebTo treat potassium deficiency in plants use compost with banana peels or vegetables waste. Dont add the calcium to the regular grain because mixing it to their liking is not possible. The calcium supplements commonly used in poultry feeding are limestone, crushed sea shells or sea-shell flour. WebJaw clenching vitamin deficiency prestonwood christian academy football coaching staff qatar pharma company list. Hypocalcaemia may be treated by supplying calcium and vitamin D3 and correcting the deficient diet. How can you provide calcium to a birds diet? Patton et al. Common symptoms on your chicken include loss of appetite, decreased level of activity and body weakness. Your email address will not be published. But if you have bantams, they might not eat the bigger flakes. Best animal products for chicken are from fresh fish, milk, eggs, and other organ meats. Here are some key takeaways: Laying hens need 4-5 mg of calcium daily. Chickens need to develop and support healthy bones like many lifeforms. That helps with the absorbtion of calcium and other vitamins and will ultimately help her begin laying eggs again. When you fail to provide enough calcium to your chicken, the condition may cause fragile eggshells that are likely to crack during hatching. These include phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin D3. This is why it is important to offer your pet reptile mealworms that have been fed (gut-loaded) a nutritionally rich diet. Another excellent source of calcium for your chicken is crushed limestone, which is also used as chicken grit. Provide WebTo eliminate this deficiency, CaCl 2 has been used in the form of a viscous liquid for several years. How can you help your hens achieve this? Grind up a Tums or human calcium supplement and mix it with feed for your chicken. Provide supplemental coarse-grained calcium to laying hens in a separate container a few weeks before they start laying (around week 18 20). To produce strong eggshells that won't break, hens need a lot of calcium. Certain Vegetables and Leafy Greens For instance, spinach, bok choy, as well as turnip, mustard, and collard greens provide 84142 mg per cooked 1/2 cup (7095 grams, depending on the variety) or 814% of the RDI ( 4 ). As a responsible keeper, its your duty to ensure that your chickens are getting sufficient calcium in their diets. Perfect for birds consuming a moist diet. However, milk should be fed in limited quantities and in moderation to prevent digestive issues and distress. There are many health claims about coral calcium, but coral calcium is not in itself superior or inferior to other forms of calcium. This is a condition caused by a deficiency of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the diet. A Calcium/Magnesium nutrient supplement is a fast and direct solution. Calcium and diet Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt. #7. What Is The Best Source Of Calcium For Chickens? Sorry again! Its a lot! Lack of enough levels of this essential mineral can lead to profound growth complications. Structural components, such as oat hulls ( OH ), improve not only gizzard musculature tone, grinding activity and digesta retention time in the proventriculus and gizzard, but also decrease digesta pH in the gizzard thereby improving nutrient utilisation ( Svihus, 2011, 2014) and phytate P solubility (Nahashon et al., 1994). Adult layer feed contains all the calcium and nutrients needed for hard eggshells. How do I give my chickens egg bound calcium? Required fields are marked *. Chickens are savvy about their diet and if you try to mix the calcium supplement, it can be hard to get the mix right for them. Metabolic problems should be corrected whenever possible. Vitamin D Deficiency In Chickens. The effects of high calcium can be largely explained by its effects on intestinal pH. Crushed oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium, and are the most common way flock owners supplement calcium in their flock. Please respond I would love to know!! If you want to add calcium to the diet of your flock, its pretty easy to get started. WebDr. Prepare the Calcium and phosphorus bind, and when one of them is deficient, the other one cannot be used properly. Rickets This chicken disease is the result of poor nutrition, specifically calcium deficiency.. Since coral reefs are protected, coral calcium is made by collecting sand and crushing limestone without living organisms. What happens if a bird gets too much calcium? I have noticed if its a thick shell the chicks have a much tougher time. planned parenthood hrt cost. Farmers have been adding calcium to the diet of layers for generations to improve shell quality, and consequently, weve learned a few things about it. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults up to the age of 50 is 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Are mealworms a good source of calcium for chickens? The best source of this substance is in soybean meal, wheat bran, and corn. 5. 23 Liter) of fruits, vegetables, soaked seed, or softfood, or administer directly to the bird at the rate of one drop per two ounces of (57 grams) body weight. You could see what happens if you give her chicks back. Design Products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium and also tend to be the best absorbed sources of it. Hypercalcemia is a dangerous condition. Crushed oyster shells. What causes calcium deficiency in chickens? Vitamin D Deficiency In Chickens. At 53 % protein, Dried Mealworms are by far our chooks favourite protein-rich treat. Although this thin membrane may have a certain integrity, the egg it surrounds is simply a bag of fluid. Your Guide to one Standout Breed the Ancona Chicken, What Should Be Inside A Chicken Coop Before Getting Laying Chickens, What are the 8 Best Chicken Nesting Boxes. I hope she gets better to!! We make money when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. It is quite common to feed crushed eggshells as an additional form of calcium. WebAvoid excess treats that can cause obesity and interfere with balanced nutrition in layer ration particularly in hot weather when hens eat less feed. Hens consuming diets too high in calcium produce bumpy eggs (the eggshell is uneven due to the heavy calcium deposits). You can buy from Small Pet Select anywhere in the world! Young adult laying hens, called pullets, need less calcium than fully grown adults. The best answer to the question is that corn does not contain any calcium. Snout and Shell Oyster Shell Flour - High Calcium Supplement for Chickens, Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, Invertebrates & Birds - Harvest Delight Chicken Scratch | 5 lbs (5 lb) View on Amazon SCORE 9.4 AI Score AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. Most chicken owners do not consider using vegetable scraps as a source of calcium for their chickens. WebMSD Veterinary Manual in Ukrainian. Kale Ca:P ratio of 2.4:1 2. These different forms of grit are essential to eggshell formation. Selenium plays a critical role in semen quality, hatchability, egg production, and But, there are other essential elements required to produce a hard shell, including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D3, and zinc. One of the most common questions chicken and egg owners ask is whether corn has high calcium content. Dairy products. Cilantro Ca:P ratio of 1.4:1 3. flock owners supplement calcium in their flock with crushed oyster shells, which is an excellent source of calcium. Some people feed their used egg shells to their chickens. This works well, even though it may take some time. Grind up a Tums or human calcium supplement and mix it with feed Is she back to free range? However, in more serious cases treating calcium deficiency looks to relieve symptoms and bring calcium levels back to normal. Foods rich in calcium are: Milk Cheese Yogurt Beans You could see what happens if you give her chicks back. Chickens need plenty of calcium to produce eggs. If you are seeking a finer powder, you can then add the shells to a food processor. Some flakes are big, and since they are shells, they can be quite sharp. Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin. Never give your birds more than they will eat in 10-20 minutes. Besides strengthening the shells of the eggs they lay, calcium forms many other functions in your chicken's overall health. We give Manna Pro the benefit of the doubt and expect them to use qualified raw material suppliers for dietary supplements. First Home Eggs Adopt-an-Egg Hatch a Long. Consult a vet if you are unsure how much calcium your chickens need for optimum health and performance. Thus, they are not a balanced source of both calcium and phosphorus. There are many essential nutrients that your chickens need in their diet. (Soy, Oat, Chocolate), Probiotics for Chickens: Benefits, Types & Application (2023), Is The Omlet Eglu Cube Worth The Money? If the eggs produced by your hens break frequently, you should consider adding calcium supplements to their diet. WebSelenium Deficiency Selenium (Se) is a trace element which is nutritionally essential for chickens. If your bird fails to receive adequate levels of calcium, it will develop weak bones. Here's a website that discusses common poultry diseases, she may have caught something from the chicks or wild birds. Is this a boy or girl? The MSD Veterinary Manual has launched an initiative aimed at supporting veterinary professionals in Ukraine. Absorbing and utilizing phosphorus. Yes too much calcium will cause problems. You'll get eggs with weird shells too. Some will have bumps all over and some will have extra layers of calcium making them paler or even weird colors like purple. However a calcium overdose is very hard to do with adult chickens. You will not get too much calcium from just layer feed and treats. Design If a normal layer feed is 4% calcium then a laying hen eating 120g of feed per day gets 4.8g of calcium. Once shes eaten the calcium, you can try soaking her lower half in a tub of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. So it makes sense that people would feed egg shells back to their chickens. Oyster shells are thus widely used as a feed supplement for laying hens to prevent the mobilisation of calcium from the bones alongside limestone from mined sources. When calcium reserves runs low, the body will start to pull calcium from bones, which can make them Cucumber Ca:P ratio of 0.7:1 4. 2- Osteopenia ( low bone mineral density). Chickens need large amounts of proteins to produce their new feathers, but they also need calcium. I thought of another thing it might beworms. Not only does it ensure a good hardshell on the eggs, but it also ensures that the hen has strong and healthy bones. Many bird lovers and breeders give their animals pecking stones or cubes, cuttlefish bone or grit. You'll have to pick up your birds one by one and visually inspect them closely for lice/mites. The second form of grit is insoluble and stays in the birds gizzard*. This is far from the truth because vegetable scrapes are a healthy way to ensure that your birds receive proper calcium content. WebA bird with a weak immune system is especially prone to this chicken disease. They suggest 8 mg/kg for starters and 2 mg/kg for grower and finisher phases. Crushed oyster shells are the best option for providing supplemental calcium. Consume Foods Rich in Vitamin D Apart from getting Vitamin D from your exposure to the sun, you should also The exact amount of necessary calcium depends on age, sex, breed, and the laying cycle phase: This is double the amount we believed hens needed (at the beginning of the 20th century, the general consensus was that laying hens should be given 2.27 mg of calcium per day). Excessive calcium deposits creating rough ended shells. In today's blog, we're going to address what's the deal with calcium and why egg chickens need it. A soft-shelled egg is an egg that doesnt really have an outer shell. Above all, monitor the levels of animal products such as milk and cheese because they can cause undesirable weight gain and unnecessary pressure on the bones. Prior to feeding these eggshells to your chickens, you should bake them to destroy any bacteria, and also to change up the flavor a bit. WebSkipping breakfast increases chances of cravings as well as slowing down metabolism. The best thing is to use low-fat dairy products to prevent weight gain and related health problems. They stay in the digestive track the longest, which optimizes calcium absorption. We will discuss the best calcium sources for chickens and tackle the risks of calcium deficits and calcium surplus. They get all the calcium they need in their feed. Small, thin, soft-shell eggs. Unsweetened Cereals Rice or Corn Checks, Rice Krispies, and Corn Flakes are OK. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Zagreb, Univerzitet Sv. Additionally, if your chickens are free-range or get extra whole grains, their diet doesnt provide complete nutrition. Bake the shells at 300 degrees for about 5 minutes. You can treat vitamin deficiency in chickens by giving them multivitamins and vitamin supplements. Can You Use Play Sand For Chicken Dust Bath? But ask your vet about dosage instructions in this scenario. It is also vital for metabolizing calcium. When a hen is 18 weeks or older its considered to be an adult and the daily intake of calcium should be 4-5g. The scientific name for extra calcium in the body is hypercalcemia. In fact, these inferior eggs typically have membranes as the outer surface. If a specific vitamin deficiency is suspected, drinking water supplementation with that vitamin is ideal and usually results in a rapid response in birds that are still drinking. Eggshell is made of around 90% calcium. Rickets This chicken disease is the result of poor nutrition, specifically calcium deficiency.. A mild to moderate deficiency can often be corrected with dietary changes and supplementation. When providing calcium to your chickens, make sure you keep it separate from their feed. As you begin to feed your chickens additional grains, kitchen scraps and free range feeding then the concentration of these essential elements can be diluted. Many people believe that their hens can get all These coarse-grained calcium particles are ideal for large laying hens. Introducing larger calcium particles earlier eases the transition to high-calcium diets when the egg-laying is at its maximum. Lack or inadequate amounts of Vitamin D. particularly D3 in poultry feed, especially in confinement rearing. Correct calcium levels in hens mean they doesn't have to deplete their bones of calcium to make eggshells. So, how to treat this deficiency? That helps with the absorbtion of calcium and other vitamins and will ultimately help her begin laying eggs again. However, chickens create a lot of wasted feed and may not belong to the clean plate club. Crushed oyster shells are the best option for providing supplemental calcium. Make sure youre calculating ratios based on equal quantities (weight or calories). Extra calcium should never be fed to a chicken under 18 weeks of age and they should not be fed layer feed either. Add carbon, nitrogen, and other essential elements to the soil to help I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from tending my flock. Chicks under 18 weeks don't need extra calcium. Lice are whittish or off white in color and are fast crawlers. Learn Poultry Chickens 5 Best Calcium Sources for Chickens. Source and level of dietary phosphorus Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures, I need some help- possible calcium deficiency. How Do You Stop Ducks From Pooping On Your Driveway? WebA bird with a weak immune system is especially prone to this chicken disease. We found about 80% of the calcium particles are (very) hard 2-4 mm rocks with very few shells. Helps with egg laying and prevents calcium deficiency. To anyone thinking of getting one of those cute little coops. A calcium deficiency will occur when a hen does not, or cannot, consume enough supplemental calcium to meet her needs. Limestone is a perfect affordable calcium source alternative thats also used in the poultry industry. Kliment Ohridski, CALCIUM SEA SHELL FLAKES SMALL PET SELECT, 'Free Range Feeder' Chicken Feeder: Review (2023), Can Chickens Drink Milk? For a great source of calcium, add 5 pounds of bsf larvae to your chicken feed today. They contain just the right amount of each nutrient so that when the grubs are consumed, the calcium they contain can be used by the hens body. On the other hand, you can find out if your birds are receiving extra calcium by looking at their droppings. In this article, we have discussed the importance of calcium to your chickens. The coral calcium is, in fact, limestone, which coral organisms manufacture as a protective shell. Some may find that their flock wastes the crumbles a little more than pellets since chickens instinctually forage through smaller feed particles to eat the pieces they want. I read that its easier to have them eat the same food for a while, so the chicks get what they need and they don't eat layer mash. It generally involves adding more calcium to your diet. Moreover, it can cause death. Fix Calcium deficiency in soil and plants naturally. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro! Ensuring you get enough calcium from your diet is crucial to preventing calcium deficiency. Because hens make several eggs per month, they are especially sensitive to what they eat. In Portugal, 64 percent of adolescents have insufficient calcium intake (IAN-AF) [13] which raises some concerns about the probable repercussions and warrants vigilance. Are crushed oyster shells good for chickens? The chicks are hers. CHOPPED GARLIC ADDED TO FEED - BEST CURE FOR MITES/LICE, Geese raising goslings on their own and viability. No the worms were my last big idea. Calcium affects hormone production hence influencing reproduction (critical for egg production). inability to walk and feed Unfortunately, they lose a chance of providing an impressive source of calcium for birds. Rickets is seen mainly in growing birds, whereas calcium deficiency in laying hens results in reduced shell quality and subsequently osteoporosis. Always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your birds. It is also phosphorous free and will not train your chickens to eat their own eggs. Most chicken keepers assume this is the chief benefit of giving their chickens yogurt, but its not. Is Chicken And Broccoli High In Cholesterol? Adult laying hens, older than one year, need 4-5 grams of calcium daily. Ideal for all year round use and for use during the breeding season. Lack of thiamine (Vitamin B1) can cause any of the following: anorexia, anemia, tremors, odd gait, diarrhea, infertility, blindness, full-body weakness, dermatitis, goat polio causing severe neurological problems, and low immune system. What happens if the hen has deficiency in calcium? Small Pet Select sells a flaked oyster and seashell mix. The oyster shells in the grit are a good source of calcium. The best way to treat your hen for a Vit D3 and Calcium deficiency is to firstly up her Vitamin D3 intake we Over time, a calcium deficiency can lead to poor bone growth. If you dont have a Ca/Mg supplement, you can try adding a teaspoon of hydrated lime to around 4 liters of water and using this as a feed. What happens if the hen has deficiency in calcium? If you find any health problems such as infertility or weakened bones, contact a reliable poultry vet to advise how best to supplement their diet. poor feathering. In nature, chickens will often eat eggshells on their own. During her egg-laying season, she may need up to 5g of calcium or more per day. It is worth noting that calcium deficiency in your chicken can be attributed to several factors. Providing ad lib oyster shell will then allow hens to take what they need for maintenance. Do free range chickens get enough calcium? I have a closed flock. Calcium supplements can be given year-round it does not matter if its winter or summer! If a hen is not given access to free-choice calcium, and thus cannot properly form eggshells, she may become egg-bound or lay eggs with soft shells. Prevention. How to treat calcium deficiency. When there is extra calcium in the body, the kidneys try to eliminate the surplus. Treating Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalances Damaged bone structure may be improved WebNiacin deficiency in chickens may be prevented by feeding a diet that contains niacin at 30 mg/kg; however, many nutritionists recommend 22.5 times as much. If your hens are laying shell less eggs, the cause is not a calcium deficiency and there are other factors to consider. Iron was also mentioned as a possible deficient mineral. The coral remnants are collected from the coast or shallow water and initially contain dirt and impurities. Osteopenia increases the chance of getting osteoporosis. Here are some of the common symptoms of calcium deficiency in chicken. twisting of the neck. For the symptoms of calcium deficiency in In order to lay quality, healthy eggs, a hen must receive 4-5 grams of calcium per day. Additionally, if your chickens are free-range or get extra whole grains, their diet doesnt provide complete nutrition. Mile Four recommends adding it to separate feeders for laying hens that are 20+ weeks old. Drink this water at least twice in a day. To produce strong eggshells that won't break, hens need a lot of calcium. Water soluble vitamins are not affected by the fats in the chickens diet. Without any doubt, chicken requires a constant supply of calcium. WebA method for preventing or treating calcium deficiency in cattle, comprising a water-in-oil solution in which a water-soluble and easily absorbable calcium salt is dissolved in an The diet of your flock can be supported with a little milk, buttermilk, whey, and cottage cheese. Due to the high elemental calcium content (~42%) and high surface area, oolitic aragonite is the most highly bioavailable calcium supplement on the market. Before you go and grind up some eggshells assuming that this will give your chickens enough calcium, it's important to know that the source of calcium is highly important. Ginger: Boil a glass of water, add 1-2 pieces of ginger and then keep boiling it for a while. But, like all treats, cracked corn should be fed in moderation. between 4-5gHOW MUCH CALCIUM DOES A HEN NEED? WebExpert nutritional advice should be sought regarding therapeutic inputs of calcium to deficient birds. How do you treat calcium deficiency in chickens? If your birds slow down on laying or have abnormal eggs with fragile shells but are otherwise healthy, they might suffer from calcium deficiencies. How Do You Improve Calcium Deficiency In Chickens? The Chinese herb preparation comprises the raw material herbs of Chinese ladiestresses roots or herbs, arrowshaped tinospora roots, giant clam flesh, phellinus, beechy fig roots, creeping mallotus root leaves, needle sand, corydalis amabilis, This builds up the calcium reservoirs in their medullary bones. They are then ready to serve to your flock. WebHow to Treat Hypocalcemia at Home, Prevent Calcium Deficiencydownload from 4shared If they look pale, dark green, or even white, thats an indication that you should slow down on the calcium levels. They understand what nutrients they need and when they need them. To ensure correct calcium levels, supplements are necessary. Approximately 10% of the diet must be limestone or oyster shell to provide this much calcium. Crushed eggshells make a good supplement in addition to crushed oyster shells. Because its high in protein and calcium, it should also make them better layers too. Then, the hens develop lameness and weakness and experience loss of coordination. Your email address will not be published. It is sometimes used as a supplemental source of calcium for birds that need extra calcium. Thanks. Crushed oyster shells are the best option for providing supplemental calcium. The effects of high calcium can be largely explained by its effects on intestinal pH. How do you fix calcium deficiency in chickens? The size of necessary calcium depends on age, sex, breed, and the laying cycle phase. We will go in-depth on why chickens need calcium and its effects on the body. Crushed oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium, and are the most common way flock owners supplement calcium in their flock. Plus, calcium controls muscle spasms, which helps with the egg-laying process and is vital for the formation of eggshells. The answer is yes, but they have different calcium requirements for different life stages. When anemia comes on slowly, the symptoms are often vague, such as tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, and a reduced ability to Treating Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalances Damaged bone structure may be improved by encouraging exercise, provided the diet has been improved. When a hen isnt laying, the kidneys must process the additional calcium that isnt being put toward producing eggshells. How Do You Slaughter A Chicken Step By Step? Thus, they are not a balanced source of both calcium and phosphorus. If you have poor quality shells from hens that have not molted yet, you will need to investigate other causes. This condition may lead to delayed or non-shedding of old feathers and subsequent reproductive problems. The editorial team consists of 3rd generation chicken owners Kat, journalist, editor-in-chief, and Nick, working with illustrators and specialists in the field. to feed them the leafy greens such as broccoli leaves, fresh cucumber leaves, and cabbage leaves A bird thats molting or has molted once is old enough to receive calcium supplements. The bones are weak and cannot support the body weight of the bird. Do chickens need calcium in their diets? While many people pour themselves a glass of (plant-based) milk to ensure they get enough calcium, it's not that easy for chickens. It also helps to add a surfactant (an additive to help the mix stick to and