Ricardo Claramunt

@Kevin Stickney In theory, yes. You could offer feed and oyster shell, etc., and they would balance their nutrient needs. The practical issue is that birds invariably take too much oyster shell because of its novel texture. We see this in small flocks where a calcium feeder is set up. Birds consume 8-10g/d of oyster shell and then soft shelled eggs appear because of an induced P deficiency. You co ...

Excess calcium is consumed by birds which are on controlled feed (feeders are empty) when grit is offered on free choice basis. Layer hens which are on full feed (feeder has feed) the hens eat as they need. They don't over consume the grit

Hi Dr. Leeson, I enjoyed reading your detailed post about feed intake, bird growth and all of the other great information you provided. As i was reading your article, i was reminded of the many lectures that you and Dr. Somers gave a few years back. Thanks for my updated course on Why Chickens Eat.