Re: Just starting out - grit

From: Jill (news_at_REMOVETHISkintaline.co.uk)
Date: 06/26/04 

Date: Sat, 26 Jun 2004 23:35:01 +0100

"Stephen M Baines" <stephen@the-samurai-in-

> They are going to be fed layers, but we've read a paper by David Bland
> that says that it is actually dangerous to the chicken to give them too
> much calcium beyond what is in the layers as it upsets the
> calcium/phosphorus balance giving them poor shells, leg weaknesses and
> partial paralysis.

David is definately someone to listen to having many many many years of very
practical and vaied experience both with commercial and domestic birds
What birds are you looking to get?
A propietory diet should cope with their calcium unless you see systems but
digestive grit can be a problem
I would be astounded if your poulty feed place cannot get flint grit alone -
it may just be they are not looking at their supply list or asking properly.
It may be you will have to get a full 25kg bag - only about £4
However if you really get nowhere go down to your local decent garden centre
and get a bag of fine horticultural grit - it is not perfect but will
definately do the job 

--
regards
Jill Bowis
Pure bred utility chickens and ducks; Housing; Books, Gifts
Herbaceous; Herb and Alpine nursery
Holidays in Scotland and Wales
http://www.kintaline.co.uk

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