Medium Shell Grit – Natural Calcium Source for Poultry & Birds

Medium Shell Grit is a natural crushed shell supplement suitable for chickens, laying hens, poultry and larger aviary birds, providing an additional source of calcium while also supporting normal digestive function.

The medium-sized particles make it particularly suitable for adult poultry and larger birds that require a coarser grade than Fine Shell Grit.

For laying hens, calcium is especially important for strong eggshell formation and healthy bones. Grit can also assist birds in mechanically grinding whole grains and other coarse feed within the gizzard.

Easy to feed and economical, Medium Shell Grit is an excellent addition to the everyday feeding program of backyard chickens and poultry.

Key Benefits

• Natural source of calcium
• Helps support strong, healthy eggshells
• Supports normal bone health
• Suitable for laying hens and adult poultry
• Medium particle size
• Useful for larger birds requiring a coarser grit
• Helps support the natural grinding of feed in the gizzard
• Particularly useful when feeding whole grains
• Easy to provide in a separate grit feeder
• Suitable for regular access
• Ideal for backyard chicken keepers and poultry breeders

Why Do Chickens Need Shell Grit?

Chickens do not have teeth, so they rely on their digestive system to break down food.

The gizzard is a strong muscular organ that grinds feed before it passes further through the digestive system. Appropriate grit retained within the gizzard assists with the mechanical breakdown of whole grains and coarse food.

Shell grit also has the added benefit of providing calcium, an essential mineral for laying hens.

Calcium Support for Laying Hens

Producing an eggshell requires a considerable amount of calcium.

Providing laying hens with access to an appropriate calcium source helps support:

• Strong eggshell formation
• Good shell quality
• Normal skeletal strength
• Healthy calcium intake during periods of egg production

Medium Shell Grit can be offered alongside a quality complete layer feed to allow laying hens access to additional calcium when required.

Medium vs Fine Shell Grit

Choosing an appropriate grit size helps make the product easier for your birds to consume.

Fine Shell Grit is generally better suited to smaller poultry and aviary birds.

Medium Shell Grit is a good everyday choice for adult chickens, laying hens and larger poultry or birds.

The appropriate size will depend on the species, age and size of the bird.

Suitable For

Medium Shell Grit may be suitable for:

• Adult chickens
• Laying hens
• Backyard poultry
• Larger chicken breeds
• Poultry breeding flocks
• Ducks and other suitable poultry
• Pigeons
• Larger aviary birds

Always ensure the particle size is appropriate for the species and size of bird.

Feeding Directions

Chickens & Laying Hens

For the simplest feeding method, place Medium Shell Grit in a separate grit container or feeder and allow adult birds free access.

Keep the feeder topped up so the birds can consume grit according to their individual requirements.

Do not use shell grit as a replacement for a nutritionally balanced poultry feed.

Other Birds

Place a suitable quantity in a separate clean grit dish or feeder.

Only provide to bird species for which supplementary shell grit is appropriate.

Replace regularly and keep the product clean and dry.

Always provide unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water.

Important Feeding Information

Medium Shell Grit should be considered a supplementary feeding product.

It should be used alongside an appropriate complete and balanced diet.

Calcium requirements can vary considerably according to the bird's:

• Species
• Age
• Size
• Diet
• Egg production
• Breeding status
• Existing dietary calcium intake

Avoid unnecessary oversupplementation where birds are already receiving high levels of supplementary calcium.

Storage

Store in a cool, clean and dry location away from moisture and contamination.

Keep the bag securely closed after opening or transfer the product into a clean, dry storage container.