Description

Calcium For Birds

Calcium and vitamin D3 are beneficial for egg-laying birds, especially for species that lay eggs with hard shells like chickens, ducks, and other poultry.

Calcium supplements for hens.

Calcium is a vital mineral required for the formation of eggshells. During egg production, hens mobilize calcium from their bones to deposit it in the eggshells.

Bird Bone health: Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones in laying birds. Calcium is essential for the structural integrity of the skeletal system, and supplementing it ensures that the hens don’t suffer from bone-related disorders.

Preventing egg-binding: Calcium deficiency can also lead to egg-binding, a condition where the egg gets stuck in the hen’s reproductive tract, making it difficult or impossible for her to lay the egg. Egg-binding can be a life-threatening condition that is often seen at Bird-vet-Melbourne and other Exotic-vet-clinics

Vitamin D3:

Calcium absorption: Vitamin D3 plays a significant role in calcium metabolism. It facilitates the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract, ensuring that the calcium from the diet is effectively utilized by the bird’s body.

Sunlight exposure: Birds can naturally synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin when exposed to sunlight. However, if they have limited access to natural sunlight (e.g., when kept indoors), or if they have darker skin or feathers that reduce the absorption of sunlight, they may not produce enough vitamin D3. Therefore, supplementing vitamin D3 is essential to ensure proper calcium absorption and utilization.

Skeletal health: Vitamin D3 is essential for bone health, as it aids in the deposition of calcium into the bones, making them stronger and more resilient.

To maintain the health and productivity of egg-laying birds, it’s crucial to provide them with a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D3. Commercially available poultry feeds are usually formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of laying birds. However, if birds are on a homemade or natural diet, it is essential to ensure that they receive appropriate supplementation.

It’s important to consult with an avian veterinarian or poultry vet to determine the specific calcium and vitamin D3 requirements.